Haven’t we all experienced times when,
due to an unforeseen occurrence, our best laid plans seem to just disintegrate
before our eyes? Suddenly all momentum
is halted, knocking us off track, causing disappointment, frustration and dashing
our hopes. (Recently, mine came in the
form of my computer crashing and taking my blog posts with it.)
In his book Finding Sanctuary in Nature Jim PathFinder Ewing tells us
how in Native American culture, any powerful and disruptive force is often seen
as a ‘Trickster’ and perceived as a particular animal. Depending upon the tribe, Trickster is
commonly seen as a Raven, Coyote or the Rabbit. Exploring this tradition is a way of
learning to recognize and overcome personal obstacles since these images are
meant to reflect back to us, aspects of
our own personalities. Jim states:
“Since this is actually the personality at work, observing and understanding
the role of the Trickster helps us gain perspective on its antics and we become
able to dismiss these occurrences not out of fear or anger but with awareness
and acceptance.” It’s our response to
events that determines the outcome.
So, it follows that by valuing and respecting
the presence of this Trickster we become stronger, more whole to ourselves and with
that – we more deeply connect to the sacred within.
In her wonderful system of creating
collage cards as a means of connecting to our deeper self, Seena Frost, the
founder of SoulCollage© makes sure to
remind us that while we may create all sorts of collage cards, each representing
an aspect of ourselves, we should never forget the ‘Fool’.
The Fool represents the part of us
that is spontaneous, playful, child-like and free. When we have become too attached to our
thinking, entrenched in routine, when we long to break out or just do something
different for a change, time for the ‘Fool’ to call on you – a reminder to take
a risk, make a change, be silly. Much
like the Trickster the Fool can emerge and surprise us in an unexpected form
and moment.
By understanding their roles we can
identify and allow them to express a part of our Self that can be just as
welcome as any other part of our personality.
Maybe even more so. And, why not?
These visitors shake up the ego! And, they’ll show up anyway. While the ‘Fool’ and the ‘Trickster’ may seem
to only annoy, tease or even shock, they bring an important message of
surrender. For when the pieces land, we have
a new, often more satisfying, joyful, and complete way, of seeing things. When we accept their presence we open to closer
alignment with Spirit.
Beneath my grumbling, I am so
grateful for my crashed computer last week.
Yes, really. I had to surrender
(give up any idea of control) and receive the gifts of the moment, of which
there were many. The Universe is generous when we follow. And, this brings me to the mandala I’ve
chosen for this posting. I call it ‘Dancing
Queens’. It is my reminder to expect the
unexpected. Play with it, DANCE, SING, and
SHOUT! See you next time!
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