Restoration

From the Anna K Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Meditation Cards, Die Before You Die:

          This King isn't studying statistics, but reads to restore his spirit - maybe poetry or a sacred text. Although his job is to serve his kingdom, he can't do anything well if he is overtaken by exhaustion or succumbs to an inner hollowness. Perhaps he is reading from the Dhammapada: "Let none neglect their good for others’ good however great. Clearly perceiving one’s personal welfare, one should devote oneself to one’s own good." The quote for the Meditation Card comes from Elizabeth Kubler Ross:

It is the denial of death that is partially responsible for people living empty, purposeless lives; for when you live as if you'll live forever, it becomes too easy to postpone the things you know that you must do.

Acknowledging death, not just in an intellectual way but with the heart, can help us see just how precious and fragile life is. Another way the King can take care of himself is to see what is living in his mind 'rent-free' - resentment, envy, fear, etc. - that takes away from his own joy and his capacity to be of service to others. There's no need for anyone to waste time on those story lines.