Training in What?

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, Strength; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Chrysanthemum:

We have also been training our body and mind just by living our life. The question is: training in what? 

—Gaylon Ferguson

In our daily encounters with people and situations, our inner lion may be awakened and roar to be fed. Will we let it gorge on frustration, anger and rage, or will we take time to calm it so we can handle things in a sane and appropriate way? Training the mind allows us to be aware of thoughts and emotions and sift out what is worth acting on and what we can let be. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the sun and represent happiness and vitality. It asks us to consider whether our anger is putting our energy to good use and creating contentment, or if it is tanking everything.

Fancy Lures

From the Victorian Romantic, the Seven of Cups:

Can you see the people swimming underwater in this image? They're looking for lasting happiness, and this fairy of fate is using all kinds of lures to reel them in. We humans are good at inventing lines like "money can't buy happiness," yet we still run after it like it can. Or we tell ourselves when we meet our soul mate, find a creative outlet, make a name for ourselves, or _____ (fill in the blank), we'll feel complete and content. The cosmic joke is that the fulfillment we search for is inside ourselves, not outside us. If I knew exactly where inside to find it, I'd write a book about it and make a million dollars [grin]. I've seen fleeting glimpses though, so I'm committed to continuing the effort.

From the Flowers' Messages comes the card "Chrysanthemum:"

What a man can be, he must be. ~ Abraham Maslow

The creators of this deck assign "self-actualization" to this flower. According to Maslow, self-actualized people share several characteristics:

~ They have realistic perceptions of themselves, others and the world around them.

~ They are concerned with solving problems outside of themselves, including helping others and finding solutions to problems in the external world. These people are often motivated by a sense of personal responsibility and ethics.

~They are spontaneous in their thoughts and behavior. While they can conform to rules and social expectations, they also tend to be open and unconventional.

~ They are resourceful, independent and enjoy periods of solitude.

~ They tend to view the world with a continual sense of appreciation, wonder and awe.

~ They often have peak experiences, or moments of intense joy, awe and ecstasy. After these experiences, they feel inspired, strengthened, renewed or transformed.

I have a feeling that many of these characteristics develop when people tap into their Higher Self instead of being lured by their egos. I need to learn how to recognize those hooks before I chase the bait.

From the Victorian Romantic, the Wheel of Fortune:

This image is based on an engraving of a painting done by Hermann Vogel, entitled "Heinrich the Fowler."  It shows Heinrich out mending bird nets when he is informed he had inherited the German crown.  Life is full of surprises, some good and some not so good.  If I want to serenely ride the Ferris wheel of life with all its changes, I must learn to loosen my hold on attachments and expectations, and be flexible and fearless enough to embrace the opportunities that come my way.  I wonder if King Heinrich ever wished for the simple life back in the forests...

From the Flowers' Messages comes "Chrysanthemums - Brotherhood:"

This week began with the suicide and funeral of a fellow I was acquainted with, and will end with a baby shower for another person expecting twins.  From pain and grief to joy and celebration, the hurt seems more bearable and the celebrations even happier when there are friends to offer support.