Graphite
What does a lowly pencil lead have in common with a diamond? They’re both made entirely of carbon, the element that gave rise to all life on Earth. But where diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth, able to cut through anything, graphite is so soft, it’s used as a softening lubricant to make machinery work more smoothly. That’s not to say this big softy is a wimp, though: It withstands incredibly high temperatures and conducts electricity, making it a powerful component of motors and batteries. But you may know it best as the “lead” in our pencils. As the saying goes, “the pen is mightier than the sword,” or, in this case, the pencil. Graphite is proof that softness and communication can be far more effective than the most cutting weapons. As a writing and drawing tool, it connects us all, and as a lubricant, it makes the whole world run smoothly. If graphite is showing up for you now, then your answer isn’t to harden up or fight, but to soften up and reach out to connect with someone soon.
The Bottom Line
CONNECT
“Soften, reach out, and communicate.”
One Or More Of These Messages Are For You
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- Your current situation calls for softness and connection, not hardness or cutting words.
- You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish by connecting and working with others.
- Try smoothing things over with thoughtful words and actions.
- Communication is key at this moment, but make sure your goal is to connect rather than control or convince.
- You might find writing to be especially helpful right now, so try texting, writing an email, or even sending a good old-fashioned letter.
- Ask yourself: How can I grease the wheels to make things work more smoothly and easily?
- Seek out good communicators who know how to get people working well together.
- Try connecting with yourself through journaling and drawing.
