Tenderizing the Heart

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Nine of Chalices; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, 'Pink:'

Nature teaches us simplicity and contentment because in its presence we realize we need very little to be happy. —Mark Coleman

          A man relaxes on a bench and enjoys the colors of a sunset. Contentment, a feeling of peaceful satisfaction is found only in the moments when we are paying attention. Though it won't last forever, the booklet reminds us to treasure it so that the memory can bring us joy even on gray, rainy days. Pink suggests we 'let love in,' or allow our hearts to be tender and vulnerable rather than hard and protected. The practice of tonglen - visualizing that we are breathing in the suffering of others as we inhale and sending them comfort as we exhale - is a wonderful tool for tenderizing hearts. Though it seems like we might add to our own suffering, it has the opposite effect. By placing our attention on others, the anxiety and fear fueled by self-absorption have a chance to fade.

The end of fear is where we begin

The moment we decided to let love in.

~ Goo Goo Dolls

May all beings in the path of Hurricane Michael find shelter and safety.