I first called this article, "Lessons fools have taught me" but that sounded like I was going to write about ex-boyfriends and bad teachers. What I really want to talk about is the wisdom of The Fool, the first card of the tarot.
1. Have beginner's mind.
Over time we fill up with knowledge, habits and experience, and generally, that serves us well. But sometimes, being that full gets in the way of fresh thinking and creative possibilities. The gift of letting go of knowing is the opportunity to learn.
2. Leap.
Traditionally, The Fool is shown to be teetering on the edge, just about to go over a cliff. Whenever we step into a new adventure, it's a risk. It's natural to be nervous. But think how many things were once risky that are now second nature, like standing, for example! Courage and confidence are created one leap at a time.
3. Don't pay too much attention to your fears.
See the little dog with The Fool? Often the dog is shown nipping at his heels or biting the seat of his pants to stop him from going over. Our fears do this to us all the time: sometimes protecting us, but sometimes holding us back. Take the time to listen to your fears, do what you can to support your safety and then get on with the adventure!
4. Play.
Even on the cliff, this Fool is taking time to dance. The most precious moment you have is now. Make room for some lightness and joy, maybe even some silliness - you may just find it delicious!
5. Don't worry about being a 0.
Our real human need to be respected and valued can sometimes transmute into a drive for and dependency on status. Keeping up with appearances and worrying what others think of us is exhausting! The Fool reminds us to drop out of that game and simply be. Wherever you are, it's just the right place on your journey.
What foolishness will you get up to this month?
This post is an excerpt from News from Jamie Ridler Studios. Subscribe by adding your name and email to the form below and you'll receive monthly inspiration plus information about my newest offerings. I'd love to stay connected with you.
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8 comments:
great post!lessons worth remembering to live life to the fullest.
Thanks for sharing the strenght of The Fool. It is a good time for me to be reminded of his qualities.
:-)
I've just happened to look back at an old journal (I posted a few pages to my blog) but I didn't post the page where I'd written about The Fool....
Happy go lucky over the
edge of the cliff
chasing a butterfly
bitten by a dog
Which immediately brought to mind an 18 year old lottery winner who hit the news last year.
I always find it delightful how much wisdom the "fool" holds. Shakespeare had it right. In his plays, the fool is often the most level-headed one. :)
Foolishness is in the eye of the beholder. Those who follow their hearts are courageous.
This is beautiful Jamie! The Fool knows! And knows much much more than "ex-boyfriends and bad teachers" (that literally had me cackling).
It´s been a while since I´ve enjoyed foolishness. *paula looks around and wonders how that came to be*
Being 0 isn't a bad thing ~ 0 represents pure potentiality. The dog seems to be urging him to make a choice, for the Fool is standing at a precipice. The Fool possesses so much potential, but does not yet realize it.
An interesting card.
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