From the Swietlistej Drogi, the Nine of Cups; from the Mirrors of the Heart, Awakening:
Happiness and contentment don't always come only when we've made strides in the material realm. Here a woman anoints a person who has the look of a recently released prisoner of war. Difficulties that must be faced and endured often act as an initiation. As Jack Kornfield explains, "Initiation means that you have to go through a narrow place that's so difficult to get through you can't take your baggage with you. It sort of strips you down in some difficult way." Yet for those who don't give up and make it through, a transformation occurs. Francis Weller describes this: "The process yielded someone more attuned to responsibilities than rights, more aware of multiple entanglements than entitlements." Awakening is that stirring of the heart and mind this experience brings. Yes, we find happiness, but we also develop wisdom, courage and compassion.
I love the idea that where you’re going is so narrow that you can’t take your baggage with you. Relevant to my situation! I am working on a piece of art using my Kuretake paints from a YT tutorial. I am using my Handbook sketchbook that I haven’t used since early May 2025. (J)
ReplyDeleteThat "where you're going" sentiment is a great way to put it. -Kate
ReplyDeleteJ & K, it's not easy to let go of directing how I want to squeeze through the opening I must go through, but I generally find I didn't need to pack those things anyway - they were extra baggage. Thanks for your thoughts, ladies!
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