River of Thoughts

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Rumi Cards, the 'Ordeal of exile:'

          I'm in sync with this fellow today. Our temperature is supposed to hit 86F by lunch, and our air conditioning has quit working. The heavy pollen and dust (no rain in many days) keep us from opening the windows. Can you hear me heaving a deep sigh? But wait... we have running water and electricity in a home with food and other luxuries. The river in this card reminds me of the default mode network in the mind; when we aren't focused on a task, it kicks in. But whether the mind flows with positive, uplifting thoughts or negative, woeful ones depends on our pattern of thinking in the past - the habits of mind we've nurtured. But now, at this moment, I have a chance to start cleaning up my river by where I place my attention. The Rumi card suggests that ordeals and hardships we face can rekindle our gratitude for what we've taken for granted. Instead of sighing in frustration, I can focus on what it will feel like when our unit is repaired.

All mental and emotional patterns eventually fall apart and dissolve in the light of awareness.

—Hanuman Goleman