Repairing the World

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Nine of Rivers (Cups); from the Animal Tiles, Eagle:

          According to Lurianic kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Ein Sof ('The Infinite') contracted itself to make room for creation. Its divine light shattered the vessels of creation it filled, but some of its light attached itself to the broken shards. Tikkun Olam ('repair of the world') is the idea that people can bring the world back to its original wholeness through acts of social justice and loving-kindness. This myth is what Pollack's card illustrates, and it reminded me where most of my moments of joy come from - not in getting, but giving. I was at the vet the other day when an elderly woman (so tiny she could barely see over the counter) came in to purchase some medicine. As she slowly counted out her dollars and change, she realized she didn't have enough money. My spiritual principle for this month is generosity, and I realized here was a chance to put it in practice by paying for the difference. She was shocked that a stranger would make such an offer, but I assured her it was no big deal. And though I'm sure she was grateful, I was the real recipient because I felt buoyantly happy the rest of the day. The Bald Eagle is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply, as it is a fisher rather than a hunter. It reminds me that if I want to feel contentment and joy, I might need to actively look for opportunities to act. A fishing pole and a positive attitude is all that is required.