Afflictive Emotions

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, Strength; from the Mah Jongg Oracle, Pine:

Recognizing and transforming destructive emotions is the heart of spiritual practice. 

~Daniel Goleman

          In the Buddhist view, destructive emotions are those that disturb one’s internal equilibrium, while healthy ones foster equilibrium of the mind. Afflictive emotions (like hatred, greed, fear, etc.) arise unintended (and without our control) and then get attached to the stories we tell about them. These stories make things worse, never better. But research shows that we can use mindfulness meditation to change the familiar paths our mind takes to something different, thanks to neuroplasticity. Instead of altered states (temporary bliss), we get altered traits (insights that help stabilize those emotions). Pine, because it is able to withstand storms, symbolizes resoluteness - the ability to set one's purpose and follow through with determination. Retraining the brain requires systematic, repeated experiences (just as if we were learning a skill). Scientists are learning that long-term meditation practice makes enduring, positive changes in the brain. Nothing worth having comes without effort, right?                                                 

Burdens of the Mind

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the Mah Jongg Oracle, 'Pine:'

          At first it seemed these swords rested at the bottom of a valley, which made me think of the phrase "it's all come down to this." But the valley is actually bird wings, and these swords weigh down the wings of a giant bird. The booklet calls this card 'burdens of the mind.' But what is interesting is that the swords rest on the hilts, suggesting there is no hard evidence to ground the thoughts that are producing such misery. It may be that I've taken a past chapter from my life and decided that since things are slightly similar, the same events are replaying themselves. Or I might have some information that I've blown out of proportion, and now I'm mentally living in the future - a worse case scenario that hasn't even happened. Pine was considered a useful tree because it was used to make charcoal to purify drinking water and to make ink for writing. It reminds me that using a journal to write down my thoughts can often help clear my mind. I can see where I'm making assumptions and projections that aren't based in reality but have become stuck in my head by the emotions that accompany them. Staying in the real world can be much more beneficial than living in a fantasy one.