From the Anna K. Tarot, the Empress; from the Meditation Cards, Dissolve Into Now:
The shallow satisfaction of having is always replaced by more wanting.
– Eckhart Tolle
This plump, bodacious version of the Empress reminds me of the prehistoric Venus statues. Anthropologists suggest these well-rounded forms were symbols of prosperity and fertility: in harsh, freezing climates, being overnourished was a crucial asset. In today's world, however, most of us do not live on the cup's lip of survival or oblivion. The Empress reminds us that we have enough, though the ads in media or comparing ourselves to others may influence us otherwise. Dissolve Into Now offers a verse by Thich Nhat Hanh:
When I drink tea, there is only me and the tea.
The rest of the world dissolves.
There are no worries about the future.
No dwelling on past mistakes.
Using our senses, what can we appreciate right here where we are in this moment? As Kristin Armstrong stated, "When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in."
I’ve been keeping a Gratitude Journal every night before bed for 11 years, and I notice a big difference in my moods and more appreciation. It definitely helps toward a good attitude and focus. (J)
ReplyDeleteIt's like a magic wand, isn't it?
DeleteIt really is! and also makes me notice how often gratitude is missing from the lives of others. I don't see them happy about their friend's good fortune, for instance. Or happy that someone can afford a beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteBuddhists call that sympathetic joy ( being happy for someone's good fortune) - it is a great way to increase ones own happiness. Sure beats being a sourpuss.
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