From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, Death; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 62:
It is particularly attention-worthy to me that I've drawn Death the day after my birthday. Yet it doesn't seem ominous (even with all the red), but more like a stop sign reminding me that life isn't found in the past or the future but the present moment. Dwelling on nostalgic memories won't turn back the clock; neither will lingering on resentments or past hurts change history. Focusing solely on the future with concrete expectations (which are likely never to appear) may make me miss what's going on right under my nose. Which leads directly into Hexagram 62, Thunder over Mountain. That crane is looking downward, not ahead or behind. Shelter is needed now, and he'd best be looking for a place to lie low until the storm passes. Both of these cards almost seem to shout, "Get your head out of the clouds!"
Clearly, all fear has an element of resistance and a leaning away from the moment. Its dynamic is not unlike that of strong desire except that fear leans backward into the last safe moment while desire leans forward toward the next possibility of satisfaction. Each lacks presence.
― Stephen Levine (1937 – 2016)
"When the past calls, don't answer it, it has nothing new to say." Forget whose quote that is. Life marches on.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a quote to remember! :)
DeleteI have been listening to a program talking about carrots and sticks. I think this is the way I see worrying about the past and projecting into the future. The future tempts potential carrots and the past punishes us with sticks. Both result in anxiety and regret.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post today Bev. Came along just when I needed reminding!
I like the analogy of the carrot and stick - makes perfect sense!
DeleteIt came out of my floating head!
DeleteYesterday I got my knickers in a knot worrying about not having a working vehicle. So I prayed about it, and then somehow managed to get proactive and took some positive action to do what I could to change my situation. I don't know what the outcome will be and am not going to worry about it, but I felt better than keeping my drawers all knotted up!
Proactive certainly sounds better than being tied up in a knot! Hope things work out well. :)
DeleteLol,yes I'd much rather proactively tie someone else's underwear in a knot! Well there isn't a no yet. I'm hopeful!
DeleteThank you Bev <3
Amazing how often we humans manage to avoid being in the only time we actually have! Whether through fear or desire, or mind-altering substances, we have a talent for avoiding the now at any cost. What's that about?!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it is because we have become so goal-oriented that we simply miss it. Or perhaps if the "now" is not what we want, we look for the nearest exit ramp. :)
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