The Work, Not the Results

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Star; from the Bird Cards, Gannet:

Wise hope is not seeing things unrealistically but rather seeing things as they are, including the truth of suffering — both its existence and our capacity to transform it. ~Joan Halifax

          When we feel beaten down, overwhelmed, and without hope, it is natural that we look for guidance. But often what we seek is something that will promise us what we want. Yet the wise hope Halifax refers to means we accept the likelihood that change won't rigidly conform to what we desire. The Gannet is a large bird capable of diving from 100 ft. heights reaching speeds of 60 mph to pursue fish at much greater depths than most seabirds. Its supposed capacity for eating large quantities has led to the term 'gannet' being used to describe someone with a voracious appetite. It suggests we ask ourselves: "Instead of what we long for, what is it that we actually need?"

Do not depend on the hope of results. You may have to face the fact that your work will be apparently worthless and even achieve no result at all, if not perhaps results opposite to what you expect. As you get used to this idea, you start more and more to concentrate not on the results, but on the value, the rightness, the truth of the work itself. You gradually struggle less and less for an idea... ~Thomas Merton

Give It Back!

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Bird Cards, Gannet:

          The cracked and broken bowls show loss well; what was whole and full is no longer either. It doesn't take long to learn about loss in the physical world. It may be a favorite toy or tool that breaks; it may be a friend who moves or a pet that dies. It is the natural cycle of things and the First Noble Truth: pain and dissatisfaction (dukkha) is an inevitable and unavoidable part of life. But what is optional is how I deal with it, whether I add suffering to the pain I already experience by refusing to accept what has happened. The Gannet is a large seabird known for its voracious appetite (it will also eat just about anything). Because of its insatiable hunger, 'gannet' is also used to describe a greedy person. Yet the bird doesn't trespass into other birds territories - it sticks to its own fishing territory. This quality added to the Five of Cups makes me think of clinging: whatever brings me pleasure is what I tend to think creates my happiness. When it is lost, I attempt to hold on to it anyway, creating more suffering for myself. I feel like my security blanket has been ripped away. However, it's not my enjoyment of people or things that cause the problem, but my clinging to them as if they are permanently mine.

When the heart grasps what is painful, it is like being bitten by a snake. And when, 

through desire, it grasps what is pleasant, it is just grasping the tail of the snake. It only

 takes a little while longer for the head of the snake to come around and bite you.

~ Ajahn Chah, A Still Forest Pool

Adapt and Dive In

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Two of Earth (Pentacles):

While the RWS traditional meaning of this card is juggling obligations and finding a balance, the Vision Quest interprets it as change. It's emphasis is that change is natural and normal; the sun is replaced by the moon, and then the moon by the sun. The vine produces flowers that are pollinated, which in turn become gourds. Eventually the vine dies, but within the gourds are seeds for a new generation of vines. I welcome change when I am uncomfortable and dread it when I am complacent. The lesson here is to adapt to changes in my health, finances and energy, whether they are increasing or decreasing. Otherwise I just waste energy fighting the change (and still get the same results).

The feathered friend from the Bird Cards this morning is the "Gannet:"

 

I wasn't familiar with this seabird, so I did a bit of research and found this amazing picture of one in a dive. Doesn't he look like a javelin? These birds seek out fish as they fly above the water, then make high-speed dives into the ocean to catch their meals. Because they often hit the water at over 60 mph, they must streamline their bodies and make them rigid to endure such an impact. The Gannet encourages me not to be afraid to make the adjustments I need to make. Such adaptations will help me find both balance and the goal I seek.