Don't Feed It

This week I'll be using the Idiosyncradeck Tarot, created and self-published by Jessica Bott. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Mixed Emotions Cards, created by Petra Martin with Kris Wiltse (Illustrator) and published by Heron Lake Press. Today's draws are the Four of Cups and Comforted:

          On a cupboard sits one lonely teacup. It represents that feeling of being unmotivated and out of sync with the rest of the world. I can recognize this mood in myself after I've had several days of adrenaline-pumping, feet-flying, mind-zooming activity. When I'm back to normal, I feel lost, exhausted and uninspired. If I spend to much time worrying about how I feel, I'll convince myself that I've lost my zest for living. But it's only a temporary mood and will fade unless I feed it. Comforted reminds me of how much our society needs to teach people how to self-comfort. The media suggests that we buy, eat, drink or take a pill to make ourselves feel better, but this is no remedy. However, there are healthier alternatives that can help ground us until we feel better:

• Gentle movement like stretching or taking a short, slow walk.
• Visualization of a real or imaginary place that brings you joy.
• Music (upbeat or relaxing).
• Personal contact with someone you trust.
• Time spent with a pet.
• Warm baths or showers, scented candles or incense, bird watching - things that will feed your senses in a wholesome way.
• Zooming out to see the bigger picture.
• Conscious breathing, such as the three-part-breath (relax the abdomen and let it expand as you slowly inhale, following the rise of your chest and shoulders, then observe the reverse process as you exhale).