Recently, I’ve been grappling with a disquieting restlessness, an unwelcome companion casting shadows on my thoughts. Doubts about whether I truly deserve love, happiness, and the freedom to be myself have crept in, and these unfamiliar experiences evoke fear in my unaccustomed mind. I can’t help but ponder, “What if everything spirals into chaos? What will my future look like?”
In my quest for clarity, I turned to my tarot deck, inviting its mystical guidance into my contemplative space. As the cards unfolded, the Eight of Swords revealed itself, mirroring the internal struggles that have been haunting my mind.
In the tarot realm, the Eight of Swords symbolizes self-doubt, fear, and feeling confined by one’s thoughts. The image of a figure bound and surrounded by eight swords resonated deeply with my current state. Doubts about my abilities had erected a barrier, distancing me from my heart and hindering me from fully embracing the beauty around me.
It became evident that fear had constructed a formidable blockade, obstructing my ability to recognize and appreciate the blessings in my life. The persistent “What if” questions became draining whispers, diverting my focus from the present moment. I realised that the roots of these fears did not originate from external forces but within myself – a revelation carrying both a weighty truth and a spark of empowerment.
Meta-cognitive
I’m catching myself in the loop of self-doubt and fear. Rather than succumbing to “What if everything turns into chaos?” I consciously observe this thought, recognizing it as a creation of my mind. Stepping back, I see it as just a thought, not an inevitable reality.
CBT
Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), let’s say I identify the negative belief: “I don’t deserve love, happiness, and freedom.” I challenge this belief by seeking evidence to support or contradict it. I might realize that my achievements, positive experiences, and the love of those around me contradict this negative belief, providing a more balanced perspective.
Moreover, CBT encourages the creation of a constructive thought pattern. Instead of dwelling on the fear of chaos, I actively replace it with a positive affirmation like, “I am capable of overcoming challenges, and my future holds opportunities for growth and happiness.”
These examples illustrate how both my meta-cognitive awareness and CBT techniques can be potent tools in navigating and transforming negative thought patterns, facilitating clarity and cultivating a more positive mindset.
Continuing my journey of self-discovery, the Eight of Swords serves as a poignant reminder that the key to liberation lies in acknowledging and confronting my internal fears. Through the interplay of tarot insights and psychological approaches, I am gradually unraveling the threads that bind me, opening new pathways to self-empowerment, emotional freedom, and the unwavering belief that I deserve love, happiness, and the freedom to be authentically myself.