The image I've always had when I've felt panicked is of a flapping bird trapped inside a building unable to free itself: it not only captures my own feeling, but addresses how my panic affects those around me. Trying to free a distressed bird while it's desperately flapping is scary. It makes sense that some people would prefer to stay clear, and yet help is still needed.
I was talking to a healer friend about a situation I'm struggling with, she told me to locate any stuck energy and use visual imagery to introduce movement to the area / issue. Previously I'd always thought of introducing light - movement brought a whole new perspective.
The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing in the Wind:
The image of a Tibetan Prayer flag came to mind - this too flaps wildly, but has an entirely different feeling-association. As I knew nothing about them I decided to do a little research... the prayers written on the surface of the flags, which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, are spread by the action of the wind passing over them - to benefit all in the surrounding area with peace, compassion, strength, wisdom.
Who would live in a flag like this?
Usually in the centre is a Lung Ta a powerful wind horse with jewels on its back. 'Ta' is a symbol of speed and the transformation of bad fortune to good fortune. I love this concept - it's something I always endeavour to bring it about - often having to rely on prayer to achieve it. Also included on these flags are mantras and prayers for long life, along with The Four Dignities at each corner - 4 powerful animals...
Enter the Dragon:
According to www.viewonbuddhism.org - 'Dragon thunders in the sky with the sound of compassion that awakens us from delusion and increases what we know through hearing. They have the power of complete communication'; and, apparently, displayed on a banner 'protects one from slander and enhances one's reputation' - good to know.
It seemed to fit my current situation beautifully: a good start. I was keen to learn more about the others...
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright:
Tiger 'symbolizes unconditional confidence, disciplined awareness, kindness, and modesty; is relaxed, yet energized, resting in a gentle state of being that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. It refers to a state of enlightenment'.
Just reading about it, gave me a lift and, again, felt quite fitting. A wild creature - a 'Big Cat'. Seriously Awesome and yet gentle and kind - a 'crazy' kind of mix.
Snow Joke:
Great to learn the Snow Lion 'represents unconditional cheerfulness; a mind free of doubt that's clear and precise'. This puppet version makes me think of a friend who makes and uses puppets, and who's been a great support. The Snow Lion also has 'a beauty and dignity resulting from a body & mind that are synchronized. It has a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight. It's main quality is fearlessness'. I remember a radio article about New York cops being trained to include humour to deflect potential trouble. I remember, too, the mug shots of gypsies at Auschwitz - their shock of wild hair and grinning faces, which inspired a poem 2 years after seeing them. They appeared to be amused by their 'captors'.
The Garuda Triangle
Magical, Mythical - The Garuda 'has the golden body of a strong man, white face, red wings, an eagle's beak, and wears a crown. It can easily tackle snakes and is used against its venom, and is able to remove all kinds of evil'. Good to know. 'It's daring and fearless; with great strength and power it soars beyond without holding back. It symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears; the vast mind without a reference point. It is a powerful antidote to the negative influences of nagas (spirits) which can cause disease and all sorts of harm. It's main quality is wisdom'. Another 'crazy' mix of qualities - a collage of attributes - a patchwork beast!
I liked the spirit of these creatures - and their 4-square position - like guardians at every corner. Better yet, I learned I could include....
The 3 Symbols of Victory Against Disharmony, Or, The Union of Enemies (I like that!)
These 3 mythical creatures symbolizing universal love are a pairing of 6 traditional enemies:
a snow lion with a garuda head; an otter body with the head of a fish; and the merging of a crocodile with a sea snail - these placed on a Victory Banner are for the reconciliation of disharmony and disagreement.
Being in a current flap - I want these on my prayer flag!
Just as we're told Excitement is the flip side of Fear - I've loved discovering this change of perspective where 'being in a flap' is now experienced as a movement that has great power and purpose. That thought in itself is calming and reassuring.
Thank you Ja'been (& Gabriel) for facilitating this turnaround in my thinking-experience.
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