From the Osho Zen Tarot, Understanding (Page of Cups); from the
A'HA Oracle, the 'Bell:'
The bars on this bird's cage are disappearing; they represent a new understanding that brings freedom. What is it this Page has learned about emotions? Probably that they're an inherent part of humans and aren't evil in and of themselves. They are morally neutral until we act on them. The other part of this Page's insight is that our feelings aren't solid. I've been reading Dr. Beth Jacob's book,
Writing for Emotional Balance in which she states that emotions change with time (our fast heartbeat slows, our stomachs relax) and with a change in viewpoint (rather than ruminating on our mental narrative). But how do we keep our feelings in neutral instead of stomping on the gas and reacting? The Bell card is a reminder of awareness, asking me "Do you know in what direction your attention has wandered off?" I can't stop my emotions any more than I can stop breathing, but I can be mindful of their transient nature and change channels when my thoughts start chewing the same idea over and over.
Just watch how your mind perceives or interprets any object that it contacts; what feeling—comfortable or uncomfortable—arises. Then you check: When I perceive this kind of view, this feeling arises, that emotion comes, I discriminate in such a way. This is how to check the mind; that’s all. It’s very simple. ~Lama Thubten Yeshe
