Life throws a lot our way. Responsibilities pile up, worries cloud our minds, and the spark of joy we once knew can seem like a distant memory. But there's a powerful antidote to the stresses of adulthood – it's found in the purest, most unfiltered expression of happiness: a child at play.
Today's card, The Sun, shines a light on the profound wisdom we can glean from simply observing and engaging with this playful energy.
The Sun card in the Rider-Waite tarot deck is one of the most positive cards you can draw. It depicts a bright, shining sun that illuminates everything in its path, representing clarity, warmth, and life-giving energy. In the foreground, a child rides a white horse, arms spread wide in a gesture of pure joy and freedom. Surrounding them are sunflowers, symbols of growth and vitality. This card speaks to the inner child within us all, the part of us that thrives on happiness, curiosity, and the simple pleasures of life.
The Sun encourages you to embrace the energy of innocence and to let go of the burdens that cloud your spirit. Its message is clear: bask in the light of your true self, and find joy in the present moment.
This card's symbolism perfectly aligns with the message of listening to children at play. Just like the sunflowers reaching towards the sun, children naturally gravitate towards joy and unbridled expression. By tuning into their innocent world, we can tap into a powerful source of renewal.
The weight of the world can wear us down. We become bogged down in routines and anxieties, forgetting the simple pleasures that once brought us delight. How often do you allow yourself to be fully present, to truly savor the simplicity and beauty of the moment?
Yet, that childlike sense of wonder is still within, waiting to be rekindled. The Sun card urges you to reconnect with the uninhibited joy and authenticity found in childhood.
Children, free from the constraints of adult worries and brimming with wonder, naturally resonate with the Sun's energy. Their innocence is a potent reminder of the joy and clarity waiting to be rekindled within us all. When we listen to their unfiltered expressions during play, it's like tapping into a wellspring of pure, revitalizing energy – a gateway back to that joyful state. Their laughter, their unfettered creativity, and their simple delights become powerful invitations to embrace the present moment and rediscover the beauty in the ordinary. It's a chance to see the world anew, through their fresh eyes, unburdened by the weight of adulthood.
The good news is, you don't need a grand gesture to tap into this energy. Here are some easy, yet powerful ways to steps you can take today:
Find a child to spend time with: This could be your own grandchild, a neighbor's kid, or even a child at the park. The key is to be present and engaged.
Put down your phone: Distractions like phones create a barrier to truly listening. Give your full attention to the child's world of make-believe. Observe their world and how they interact with it.
Listen actively: Don't just hear the sounds; try to understand the story they're weaving. Pay attention to their words, their laughter, and even their body language. Notice the emotions in their voice and the way their imagination takes flight. What are they expressing? What sparks their joy?
As you observe children at play, pay attention to the sounds and stories that unfold:
Imaginative Stories: Children are natural storytellers. Listen to the narratives they weave during playtime. Everyday objects transform into fantastical tools as they solve problems for imaginary friends, embark on adventures, and create entire worlds. Their stories, whether a dragon-slaying epic or a tea party with stuffed animals, are a window into their unique perspectives and boundless creativity. These narratives can inspire you to think creatively and see the world through a different lens.
Unfiltered Emotions: Listen to the sounds of genuine laughter, uninhibited by social expectations. It's the purest expression of joy, a contagious melody that can lift your spirits and remind you of life's simple pleasures. Watch what makes them erupt in giggles – the games they find most fun, the activities that fill them with pure delight. Their laughter is a potent reminder that joy exists in the simplest things, and a powerful stress reliever we can all learn from.
Curiosity and Wonder: Children are overflowing with curiosity, bombarding the world with a never-ending stream of "why" questions. Their fascination with the ordinary and their relentless exploration remind us to embrace a beginner's mind. Listen to their inquiries, let them spark your own sense of wonder, and rediscover the joy of learning that's always waiting to be rekindled.
By letting yourself be drawn into the world of a child's play, you're doing more than connecting with them – you're rekindling your own inner light. It's a chance to rediscover the pure joy that comes from seeing the world with fresh eyes, the magic hidden in everyday moments. The Sun card beckons you to embrace this childlike wonder, inviting its warmth and clarity into your life. Listen to their endless questions, their infectious laughter, and their boundless creativity – a symphony that reminds us that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. Embrace the sunshine they embody, and let it guide you back to your own sense of wonder and the simple joys that hold the key to inner peace.
Has spending time with kids at play changed your outlook or brought a little sunshine to your day? Tell us about it in the comments below!