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THE DECK

59 Ways to Leave Better Tracks

Daily teachings for hard weather, steady minds, and real life.

Pick one card. Stay with it for a day, a week, or longer. Don't try to master it. Let it follow you into the kitchen, the meeting, the grocery line, and the place in your mind where you usually start running.

1
Start From What Is Real

This Life Isn't Store Credit

You're here now.

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1
Start From What Is Real

This Life Isn't Store Credit

You're here now. You've breath, body, relationships, some measure of choice, and one more chance to decide how you'll walk.

TRICKSTER MIND SAYS

“My life is small. I'm behind. None of this matters.”

BUFFALO MIND REMEMBERS

This life is brief and not disposable. Even a messy life can be used carefully.

TRY THIS TODAY

Notice one ordinary thing you'd miss if it disappeared. Don't make a gratitude speech. Just let it matter.

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These teachings come from Lojong, a Tibetan word that means "mind training." It's an old practice of working with hard moments rather than around them, turning the rough weather of a life into the ground you learn to stand on. They've been carried here in the language of Buffalo, weather, ground, herd, and tracks. They aren't a replacement for your own teachings, Elders, therapists, community, ceremony, or common sense. Take what helps you walk more honestly. Leave the rest.

HOW TO USE THIS DECK

Pick one card. Stay with it for a day, a week, or longer.

Don't try to master it. Don't use it to become spiritually decorated. Let it bother you a little.

Let it follow you into the kitchen, the meeting, the grocery line, the car, and the place in your mind where you usually start running.

Use what helps. Leave what doesn't. Come back when the weather changes.

Use the Whole Buffalo
How to Meet What Hurts Without Wasting the Pain.
Use what helps. Leave what doesn't.
A note on the ground

This site can't provide crisis support, therapy, or emergency help. If you're in immediate danger or need urgent support, contact local emergency services or a crisis resource where you live.

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© 2026 Matthew J. Dyck. Use the Whole Buffalo.
Mind is the buffalo that bolts, and mind is the buffalo that stands.
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