A Fall and a Reunion

From the Gill Tarot, the Tower; from The Circle deck, Intention:

          My first thought upon seeing this card was "a fall from grace." I don't mean this in the same way as organized religion, but in the mindset of forgetting that my personal knowledge and will power won't allow me to control others or protect me from the natural laws of this physical world. I easily forget how much I depend on all the other beings on this wonderful planet that is my home. As Dharmavidya David Brazier explains, "Grace provides the framework within which a meaningful life is lived. Love is the substance of it day to day." Grace reunites me with life and gives me a purpose that is not self-centered. The Intention card suggests that I use a blueprint to guide and remind me of my chosen framework. When I get up in a grumpy mood or with an emotional hangover, it's easy to forget what is important. Yet as with blueprints, I'm rarely going to follow my intentions to the letter. But they can at least point me in the right direction and remind me of my purpose.

as the moon sets

and the sun rises

may i begin my day

awake.

may i move through

each moment

mindfully

lightly

and with clarity.

a heart

bursting with love,

a mind

propped open,

may i shine

to lessen

the darkness

of

another being's

suffering.

―Mary Jane Dodd

 (my personal morning intention)

Who is Being Fed?

From the Golden Tarot, the Six of Coins; from the Yantra Deck, 'Intention:'

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded.

It's a relationship between equals. ~ Pema Chodron 

          This giver seems to be posing as if for a photo op as he hands out coins to the men who sit below him. He'll probably tweet or post on Facebook about his generosity later. Does he realize that a simple twist of fate could have put him in the beggar's shoes? Being generous has nothing to do with desiring acknowledgement or with wanting to shore up self-worth. It is motivated by a tenderness of the heart and guided by humility. What is given is what is needed; a person grieving doesn't care about money, but a hug might bring comfort. Intention is a deliberate articulation of a conscious goal. If I were to take a trip to a city I've never been before, I'd look at a map and plan how to get there. Likewise, intentions can keep us headed toward our objective rather than getting sidetracked by hidden agendas (which we might not even be aware of). If it is my intention to be generous, then I need to be aware of and eliminate any action on my part that is just feeding my ego.