 |
| Shadowscapes Tarot ~ Stephanie Mun-Pui Law |
Imagine the incredible healing power of sending out my love into the atmosphere, in a widening ring of compassion whose momentum knows no bounds. Together the Ace of Cups and the Eight of Wands makes me think of the Buddhist practice of metta, often translated as loving-kindness. But can also be interpreted as compassion, presence, acceptance, acknowledgement. These are all variations on Love's theme.
 |
| Ace of Cups ~ Shadowscapes Tarot |
Since loving kindness begins at home begin by extending love or presence to yourself. The mantra goes like this:
May I be well. May I be happy. May I be at peace.
Go slowly, feel the words in your body and take a moment to notice where you feel them. Next do this same thing with someone you love. Again feeling your own capacity to be love.
Continue on with friends, neighbors, animals, trees, mountains, oceans, planets until you feel complete. When that feeling arises choose someone you have difficulty with and do the same practice.
 |
| Eight of Wands ~ Shadowscapes Tarot |
It's a simple but powerful practice. And like the puffballs the woman in the Eight of Wands is wishing on and blowing into the air, so, too it is with the love we send out into the world around us and beyond. Intention has form, has effect, has power.
The elementals that surround her, the foxes that witness her, the tree she rests upon and the sky that forms her backdrop can all be those aspects of ourselves that support our own unfolding. The places we listen to our intuition, the flame of instinct, the strength and rootedness of our bodies carrying us through life and the sky of our awareness bearing silent witness to it all.
The lovingkindness meditation is one of best I know of for softening and healing the heart. :)
ReplyDeleteSoftening is the word :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWonderful how you've connected these two card to the metta meditation. I have tried this a few times for myself too and I was amazed how hard it was for me to send these thoughts to people I have difficulty with.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen. Yes, that's why they have the difficult people last. Allows you to soften a little more before trying it.
DeleteThis is a beautiful meditation and practice. We certainly don't love each other enough, or practice kindness toward strangers nearly enough. The world would be a whole other experience if everyone (or even most people) worked to make space for each other.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely practice. And very simple, in some ways. But as you infer not so simple in the larger picture.
Delete