“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
-Anais Nin
Do not allow your EMOTIONS to frighten you. Practice curiosity, and let them guide you instead. This mindful action will open up a rich new world of deeper insight and energy.
The reality is that we can experience many different emotions in one day. They serve as a barometer for our reactions to people, to situations, to our environment. When you binge (or distract yourself with any other self-defeating behavior), you miss an opportunity to discover something essential about yourself.
Emotions are not good or bad, they are just messengers. Remember, you can endure a difficult feeling. It isn’t enjoyable, it isn’t easy, it can be downright excruciating. But it will not kill you.
We’re not supposed to feel “happy” all the time. We each have a range of emotions that come and go. Feelings are normal. And feelings can affect us in different ways. They may cause us to be upbeat or to become depressed. They act as an introspective springboard to a meaningful life, a gauge to our true essence.
Sometimes everything seems to hit at once. (Ah, such is life.) On those days, when the emotions come tumbling out, do they feel all jumbled up into one big package? If you can, begin to sort the different sensations out in your mind. Keep at it, sit with the discomfort. Try to name the emotions, untangling them one at a time.
If you find this process difficult, start slow. Just write down the first overwhelming feeling that comes into your mind. No analysis, nothing else.
For instance: 2/14/13 Thursday = SAD. You name it, you release it, and (although not especially comfortable), no real harm comes to you. You get through it, you’re safe. And you’ve accomplished the first step to processing your emotions.
Want to try it?
essence7 exercise:
Sit in silence with the emotions that threaten to overwhelm.
Notice all of the crazy, unwelcome thoughts that come and go.
Accept the discomfort, learn to tolerate it.
Remember that life can be unpleasant, sometimes very much so.
Practice breathing through the assorted feelings that rise to the surface.
Focus on them, naming them as they appear.
Ask questions: “What is my fear trying to say? Where is this anger leading me?”
Watch the shift that inevitably begins to happen.
Concentrate on relaxing through these tough moments.
Avoid the tendency to fight whatever it is you’re experiencing.
Be present and aware, paying close attention to your body’s responses.
Find the power to explore the darkness.
Do not be afraid.
Happy Valentine’s Day! A good day to think about your emotions and explore their hidden messages, don’t you think? How do you process your feelings? Is it difficult for you to identify them? I’d love to hear your comments.
