As I've gone through the Major Arcana, I am constantly reminded on how often the cards emphasis the importance of balance. The underlying message always seems to be an emphasis on learning to blend the material and spiritual; combining work with play; being vulnerable and remembering the importance of non-attachment. The Temperance card places this meaning up front.
Since I came back from my retreat at Gryphon's Nest, I keep trying to nurture that place in my mind where I remembered the importance of play as well as work. I constantly tip toward the side of work and industry. I forget that play doesn't need to be productive.
Art has become my place of relaxation and calm. When I'm feeling stressed or anxious, I just start doodling or coloring and my mind becomes more clear. Unfortunately, at some point, creating art also begins to feel like it needs to be a productive task. I need to be creating art with an emphasis on the work.
I've been trying to explore that forgotten part of myself: the part that just plays. I need take the production out of my playtime so I took an afternoon and played frisbee. I enjoyed it. It was pointless and nonproductive and it felt good to try to rekindle that part of myself. My inner child needs to find the fun.
I need this balance. I need to stay in touch with that playful energy and not lose myself in the next several weeks of the festival season. Work. Work. Work, but also: play, play, play.
I need to take a little time each day and just focus on self care: meditation and journaling. Temperance reminds me to be in sync with the natural flow of the Universe; to savor this amazing spring weather before the harsh brunt of summer is upon us; to allow myself some quiet time to let my inner voice break through and remind me of who I am.
Strive to find that balance in your life. The journey is always more important than the destination.
“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.” - Buddha