Happy Lunar New Year of the Water Tiger!

When we think of a tiger, we may come up with images of aggression, ferocity and ambition.  One thing we may neglect is that this creature is also very patient, stoic and focused; waiting for the right time to pounce on its prey.  If it were merely aggressive, it would scare off its prey, and go hungry.  So too must we be patient and wait for our opportunities to arise.  

Then when it presents itself, we will take the shot without hesitation.

These type of opportunities can not only be in the form of something for ourselves, such as a job opening, an entrepreneurial endeavor or a chance encounter with someone whom we want to ask out; it can also present itself as a way to be kind to one another, even if it's as small as a silent blessing towards someone.  

Just like the tiger, there needs to be purpose behind what we say, think and do as much as possible, should we make headway this year.  It all starts with what we want.  We don't even need to know how are we going to get it.  We just have to have it in our minds.  From there, a way will present itself.  

If it's hard to come up with what we want, what sometimes helps me is to identify what we DON'T want first.  Much like a sculptor visualizing the negative spaces to create a masterpiece from a block of stone, having a concrete sense of what we don't want can be an excellent canvas.  In other words, we must intend all of what we want, while being aware of what we don't want.  In fact, if there is one word for this year, it's INTENTION.

Have a great year!

P.S. Here's a picture of our Crouching Tiger.  Enjoy!