From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Three of Swords; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, The Sacrifice:
This dewdrop world
Is but a dewdrop world. And yet, and yet—
~Kobayashi Issa
Issa was a Japanese poet whose life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his wife and three children. His poem expresses the understanding that life is by nature impermanent, yet humans will still grieve when what we love is lost. In our transient world, love is a sweetness mixed with the sharpness of sorrow. However, we have two antidotes to help us heal: equanimity and compassion. Yet as the Brownie points out, it will require a sacrifice - in this case, of self-absorption. Equanimity is a balance born of wisdom, a tender understanding that our loss is not abnormal in our world. Compassion is being willing to sit with the suffering of others with a desire to bring them comfort. It helps us recognize that this deep grief is experienced by all beings.
Equanimity and Compassion, the World needs more of both.
ReplyDeleteEquanimity is my word for 2022. Focusing on it is helping me around some stumbling blocks. Stumbling because I say no and yes is the only option.
ReplyDeleteThat's a sanity-saving practice to have.
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