Dodging Distraction

From the Spiral Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Sacred Journey Cards, "Center:"

This man holds a protective arm in front of what he loves - what he has given his time, energy and enthusiasm. He doesn't appear beat up on the outside, but I imagine his spirit has taken a whipping each time he is called to defend his passion. After he's done this over and over, it's easy to become unfocused, to think that everything and everyone might be the enemy. The SJ card reminds him to calm and center his thoughts, so they become like a laser directed at what is important.

All this was mission. But could you accomplish it?

Weren't you always distracted by expectation, 

as if every event announced a beloved?

~ Rainer Maria Rilke