From the
Ellis Deck, the Knight of Swords; from the
Brownies Oracle, "Facade:"
The bloody talon attached to this Knight's helmet lets me know he means business. He's a combative sort of fellow, and being from the Swords Clan, he knows how to use his words and intellect as deadly weapons. Now these aren't bad character traits if you're trying to rid the world of injustice and right wrongs. But what happens when things are a bit dull and there's no oppression to overcome at the moment? I think this guy is a little addicted to the rush he gets in battle, so during a peaceful time he might go give someone a few pokes just for fun. He refuses to take off his armor, which is a nice introduction to the Brownies card, Facade. In architecture, this term means the front of a building; in everyday usage, it means a superficial appearance. What is our knight hiding from? Ajahn Brahmavamso writes: "Buddha compared restlessness to being a slave, continually having to jump to the orders of a tyrannical boss who always demands perfection and so never lets one stop." Hmmm... this sounds (and feels) familiar. But what's the solution? Gil Fronsdal offers a wise suggestion:
Paradoxically, restlessness is itself sometimes a symptom of not being able to be present for discomfort. Patience, discipline, and courage are needed to sit still and face it.
One of the more profound skills for working through restlessness and worry is to let go of the beliefs that keep them going. Strong opinions about what is or is not supposed to be happening incite the mind; judgments of good and bad seldom lead to calm. Attachment to a self-image also tends to be agitating. It can be liberating to realize that we don’t have to believe every thought we have.
