From Color to Black and White

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Empress; from the Rumi Cards, The Moon kisses secretly:

          I looked at this Empress and thought, "Something's wrong." Then I realized it was her gown; instead of having bright red pomegranates, hers is gray and black. All around her is vibrant color and abundance, but she's in that gray place, where it feels like the joy has been sucked from the marrow. She is supposed to be a generous and open spirit, a Creatrix, a tender nurturer and a lover of the sensual. Yet this Empress is only going through the motions, doing what she is supposed to do, while her glowing light fades. The Rumi card hints at what may gently push her back to technicolor again - gratitude. But it's extremely hard to feel genuinely grateful when you don't feel great. Tell someone in the gray zone to write down what they appreciate about life, and you'd better duck because a journal might suddenly fly at your head. Affirmations may poke the conscious mind, but don't make a dent in the unconscious. A 2010 study in Psychological Science found that individuals were more likely to successfully complete an action if they phrased their affirmation as a question.  Clinical psychologist Sophie Henshaw suggests that using interrogative self-talk instead of declarative statements can help make the unconscious our ally. Questions can probe for answers, activate our curiosity and remind us of our resources (gratitude!). Our inquisitiveness can help us look at ourselves objectively and honestly without battling our thoughts and feelings. When we’re relaxed and open with what we find, a better attitude and positive behavior will more likely follow.