Change is inevitable. Or as Heraclitus says "Change is the only
constant". Understanding impermanence and that nothing is ‘fixed’ but
everything is subject to alteration is essential in Buddhist philosophy.
But it’s when and how we change, especially breaking out of negative
patters or restrictive molds that can make all the difference to our
emotional, mental and physical well-being. With the current retro
Mercury and Mars in Gemini, the time now is ripe to re-think, re-work,
re-consider changes, in direction, in approach, and even in the deepest
recesses of the heart-mind, as the planets suggest the plasticity of
the mind is now heightened, particularly by personal active intervention
and continuous movement. Indeed, it may be time now to (re)consider new
ways of looking at the same old thing, or even walking down another
street to get a completely different point of view...
Here's a wonderful poem, often spoken by Sogyal Rinpoche, to illustrate
how we change, and how habits can be broken and life improves with
practiced mindfulness:
“Autobiography In Five Chapters
1) I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am hopeless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
2) I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I'm in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
3) I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in... it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
4) I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
5) I walk down another street.”
by Portia Nelson
From: Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Image with thanks & ℒℴѵℯ_/✿\_ to the brilliant Karma Phunstok
No sooner has informative Mercury gone direct (today at 1 degree Aquarius), the Last Quarter Tara Moon of the Wood Horse Year signals we are well and truly into a critical period of the Tibetan calendar called “Dön Season”, which has been described as being ‘like Mercury retrograde on steroids’, as the karma of the last year now accumulates to potentially manifest as sticky issues that can create obstacles, problems and disharmony.
Dön is the name given to the end-of-years’ amassed energy patterns, particularly the negative ones which whip-up destructive thinking to provoke difficult interactions and arguments that, if we don’t clarify with mindfulness, can even lead to emotional obsessions, or psychic or physical sickness. Thus, it is now super important that over the next few days we clear the air and make space, at home, at work, in relationship, and on the meditation cushion, in order to awaken Spirit and transform the mind. Detox inner planes as well as outer worlds now, and let-go of the old and outmoded and, by being open-minded and aware, prepare for New Year of the Green Yin Wood Goat on the 18th–19th February, a year that offers an exhilarating kind of joy, with the potential for great peace.
During these next few days of the “Dön Season” just before Losar, Tibetan New Year, we call upon our protectors, connect to sangha, and loved ones who give love and support. It may also be a cosmic co-incidence that Valentine's Day is also Dakini Day, but when the Goddess highlights Love, she does so this year with the radiant LoveLight which emanates straight from the Galactic heart.
ℒℴѵℯ __/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✶& thanks to Carmen Mensink for beautiful Green Tara whose mantra is “Om Tara Tutare Ture Soha” __/❤\__
Living in the present is the way of a mindful
spiritual warrior. To be aware of each moment means we can live life to
its fullest. But still, on a relative level, it sometimes helps to look
back and assess how we’ve come along when developing
potential. In astrology it is the planet Jupiter that provides the 360°
perspective of past, present and future, giving us the ability to
measure time, distance, and our association with Oneness.
Since
Solstice ’13, optimistic Jupiter has been exalted in sensitive Cancer,
from where he soothes painful past memories at the same time offering
hope for the future. And as Cosmic Guru, beneficent Jupiter holds a key
role in being able to synthesize the activity of this particular moment
in time, through the currently waning Cardinal Cross which pressed the
surge button for dynamic spiritual growth.
As well as being
involved with a magical Grand Water Trine (leading to another Grand
Sextile, Sacred Star later this week!) which generates responsible
healing on deep cellular level, Jupiter is also making his last major
aspect to the stabilizing Taurus Sun, Tuesday 6th May, in a closing
cycle which ends, and therefore marks a fabulous new beginning with the
Full July SuperMoon, still two months away. This, therefore, is the time
to head to the top of the metaphoric mountain and imbibe some of
Jupiter’s encouraging wisdom; with panoramic vision find space to relax
with plans and ideas, and see what needs to be brought together in order
to peacefully move into and embrace the changing world. All the while
Goddess Venus, now in assertive Aries, is nudging up to visionary
Uranus, reminding us to love living in the present, wherever we may be.
After all, ‘now’ is all we have and is the springboard into the future.
Best use each moment wisely. ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
♥ & ponder this...
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.” ~ Lao Tzu
With ℒℴѵℯ & many thanks to Mountain Stream Organization for wonderful image of Mount Kailash, sacred to all Buddhists, Hindus &
Jains alike...
ॐ_/♥\_
Om Mani Padme Hung...
