A Framework to See Through

From the Monstarot Tarot, the Illuminator; from the Oracle of Toy Classics, the Etch-A-Sketch:

Luminous indeed, is that mind, when it is safely released and freed from alien impurities. 

~ Buddha

          The Illuminator is the wild card of the Monstarot Tarot and refers to our inner light of truth. I immediately thought of the Buddhist concept of 'luminous mind' - a wide-open state of mind that isn't defiled by attachment, aversion or ignorance and is cultivated through meditation, reflection and study. When this brightly shining part of the mind is not obscured, it sees where our unnecessary suffering comes from and how we can put an end to it. Awakening comes when we are determined not to keep on suffering. The Etch A Sketch keyword is 'framework' and its adage reads:

Every canvas needs the support of a frame.

For years I chased after anything that I felt could relieve my suffering, including drugs, alcohol and religion. The problem was I wanted to feel good and avoid anything unpleasant, so I grasped and clung to anything I thought might accomplish this. I gradually became a classic example of spiritual materialism and spiritual bypass. Any path worth walking involves work, training and change within (using a framework). Like cleaning a dusty, grimy mirror, it is my effort that will bring clarity rather than chasing after my next pleasure.

Forecast: Cloudy with a Chance of Storms

From the Monstarot Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Oracle of Toy Classics, the Yo-yo:

          A weary and bedraggled monster finds shelter and a rock to rest on - only to discover the rock is more than a simple rock! Hardship, whether physical or financial, is a reality everyone will experience at some point. Often we forget that there is support available (sometimes under our noses), but even those who are willing to extend a hand must first be asked (so they will know how to help). ESP is not a skill set most people have, after all. The Yo-yo's keyword is 'tether' and its adage reads:

Keep your feet on the ground while reaching for the stars.

What is it that ties you to the real world, that keeps you from believing every dire thing you think? Particularly when I am facing a hardship, it is easy to get hooked by any story my mind writes about it. So becoming grounded for me involves 'doing' actions such as walking outside, talking to people or focusing on a creative project. The action reminds me to return to my body instead of living only in my head. Once the storm has passed, I can pull up my anchor and sail again, navigating with clarity instead of confusion. 

Perseverance with a Dose of Comfort

From the Monstarot Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Oracle of Toy Classics, the Teddy Bear:

          With one blackened eye, this monster looks a little battered and sleep-deprived. But he's determined to stay awake and alert to see things safely through to their completion. What keeps his spirits up when he is so weary? The goal is in sight, but he also has those eight other wands to remind him of other challenges he's conquered. Yet the Teddy Bear is a reminder that we're rarely alone in our battles unless we choose to be. It's keyword is 'comfort' and its adage reads:

A friend in need is a friend indeed. 

To have a friend who will help us weather the bad times as well as celebrate the good times is a blessing. This morning I found this quote from Simone Weil in my email inbox: "The capacity to give one’s attention to a sufferer is a very rare and difficult thing. It is almost a miracle. It is a miracle." It is a rare friend who can sit with us or stand by us, especially if they are powerless to change our circumstances or fix the problem. But by not leaving us alone to face whatever is in front of us, we often find the support and comfort we need to get through it.

Checking the View

From the Monstarot Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Oracle of Toy Classics, the View-Master:

          I love the look of contentment on the little monster's face at the top of the wheel. He doesn't seem concerned that he won't be there forever, yet he finds no reason not to enjoy the moment while it lasts. No matter whether he's experiencing what's pleasant or unpleasant, he can be curious and learn from each trip around the sun if he's willing to pay attention. The spiral on this Wheel suggests not traveling in the same circle over and over, but seeing from a slightly higher perspective with each turn. Perspective is the keyword for the View-Master, and its adage reads:

Take the long view rather than the short one.  

I recently had an epiphany about intense feelings that seemed to be triggered by certain people in my life. The root went back to events in my childhood, yet the discovery itself did nothing to change my response or how I felt. I must live my life forward, not backwards (as Søren Kierkegaard would say); it makes no sense to assign blame and leave it at that. To take the long view means I take responsibility for my thoughts and actions today, so that the seeds I plant won't lead to weedy briers tomorrow.

Wonderful World

From the Monstarot Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Oracle of Toy Classics, Lego Bricks:

          This little monster explains that often it is receptiveness that is needed rather than action. She advocates the use of meditation to flow past the ego toward our inner witness (represented by her little moth friend). The first level of meditation is calm awareness, or quieting rather than silencing the mind; the second phase is insight, or witnessing each moment without judgment or concepts. We see reality directly instead of adding our opinions. What is it we will discover? In the words of Lewis Richmond: "Everything is connected; nothing lasts; you are not alone" (The Three Marks of Existence: non-self, impermanence, and suffering). The keyword assigned to the Lego Bricks is 'construction,' and its adage reads:

From different parts a useful whole is built.

It is my opinion that seeing only differences rather than our commonalities is what keeps us in competition and conflict with others. What would happen if we realized all our boundaries are simply human constructs? Perhaps we would recognize our connection and then could simply respond to each moment without aggression. Maybe I'm an idealist, but I'd like to dream along with Mr. Cooke: "What a wonderful world this would be."

Moving On, Taking Turns

From the Monstarot Tarot, the Eight of Cups; from the Oracle of Classic Toys, the Wagon:

          Looking at the stack of cups in the background, it appears as if one is missing. And it is, but it hasn't been discovered yet. It will take courage  for this monster to leave the known for the unknown in hopes of finding that missing cup. The appearance of a ladybug-like beetle (a symbol of good luck) wishes him well on his journey and hints at a future of emotional fulfillment. The journey won't be easy, but searching is better than stagnation. The Wagon's keyword is 'load' and its adage is:

Joy shared is twice the joy; sorrow shared is half the sorrow. 

It takes maturity to be happy rather than jealous when a friend receives recognition or lands in the lap of prosperity (the Buddhists call it sympathetic joy). Likewise, when someone is in a place of emotional darkness or going through intense anguish, it requires compassion to sit with them and their pain rather than run from it or offer useless platitudes. In an emotionally fulfilling relationship, we take turns pulling or pushing the wagon. It is much too tiring for one person to do all the work and will only result in a hollow feeling inside.

Creative Inspiration

This week I'll be using the Monstarot Tarot, a deck created and self-published by Joanna Nelson. I will also be using the Oracle of Toy Classics, a 25 card deck I created (and will be glad to send anyone a copy if you want to print your own set). Today's draws are the Page of Wands and Tinkertoys:

          Nelson describes this little monster as a free spirit not burdened by the expectations of others. His leafy antennae are always swirling like radar dishes, looking for creative inspiration. He is willing to boldly search out any place, and will talk to both the mighty and the humble. He knows there is no telling where or from whom the inspiration might come.  This Page is the embodiment of Julia Cameron's Artist Dates, a playful day for open-minded exploration. The keyword for Tinkertoys is 'Innovation,' and its adage is: "Originality calls for coloring outside of the lines." No matter what we create, from an architectural design to a blog post, there are always people who like to offer constructive criticism or positive praise. Some of the advice may be worthwhile to listen to, while other suggestions may simply stymie and constrict us. I can listen and learn, but ultimately I need to follow the beat of my own heart.