Bridge Building in the Mind

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Two of Clouds (Swords); from the A'HA Oracle, Dragonfly:

Decision is a risk rooted in the courage of being free.

―Paul Tillich

The term "schizophrenia" was first used in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler; it comes from the Greek roots schizo (split) and phrene (mind). Although Padma isn't referring to the psychiatric disorder, she is pointing out how making a hard decision can make our mind seem fragmented. It doesn't help matters when we are stretched between the past (that might happen again!) and the future (what if this happens?!). Dragonfly represents a deeper understanding that leads to transformation. How can we build this bridge of wisdom to help us make a decision in the present? Each plank might be formed by these questions:

• How does each option stack up next to my core values?
• Do I have enough knowledge about each option so that I don't have to make assumptions?
• When I imagine myself having made a particular choice, how does it feel in my gut?
• What techniques or practices can I use to calm my emotions so that my decision isn't hijacked?
• Although the responsibility for my choice is mine, do I realize that making mistakes is part of what helps me to develop and mature?

A Child's Freedom

The card chosen from the Ship of Fools Tarot this morning is the Ace of Staves/Wands:

The fool rides a staff much like my grandsons gallop around on their stick horses.  Instead of a horse head, his is decorated with a fool's cap, looking much like a pair of donkey ears and legs.  The wands suit deals with inspiration, creativity and ambition.  I think sometimes being an adult can suck all the fun out of things, including any innovative ideas.  If I could let go of my serious side for a brief moment, I believe my creative enthusiasm would flow like a river freed from a dam.  Now where did those boys put that hobby horse?

     This morning I drew the "Dragonfly - magic" from the Wisdom of the Four Winds:

The gift of the dragonfly is to awaken the adventurous child within me.  This magical insect reminds me to see the beauty and awe of the small, to pay attention to the simple things that are overlooked.  It can show me the mystery and excitement that surrounds me every day.  As Brailsford writes, "See the world through the eyes of a child again..."