did you ever notice how bad moods or frustration or stress tend to breed more bad moods, frustration and stress? and yet, even with that knowledge, it still can be extremely difficult to pull yourself out of the "dark place". somehow it seems like you're accomplishing something by hanging on to that negative emotion - analyzing it, dwelling on it, ruminating about it. but, it is in those moments, when we choose to just let it go that we can experience the greatest growth and uncover the deepest insight into ourselves.
the first step is just bringing some awareness to the situation. just noticing - hey, i'm totally pissed off right now. and realizing that the "pissed off" attitude is not you. it's just something your experiencing, a shifting, changing, fleeting emotion that can be dealt with any way you choose. i know, easier said that done, but just breathing some space between you and the negative emotion will help it dissipate faster.
now, that you've recognized the emotion, don't judge yourself or beat yourself up for feeling blue, or angry or annoyed. instead, just breathe. that's right - just breathe. you've heard that one before, right? turning to the breathe, and consequently quieting the mind is one of the most effective tools for moving beyond difficult emotions. as you breathe, you may begin to feel the sharpness of the emotion begin to dull and begin to slowly melt away.
from there, slow down. i find that my negative emotions are often coupled with a propensity for rushing and not being present, which in turn makes me more frustrated, because i'm not being effective, efficient or present. when i slow down, i see things more clearly.
next time funky feelings creep into your day, just notice them. recognize that they are not you and therefore can be changed. breathe and slow down. and everytime you consciously choose to move past your negative thought patterns, it will get easier - i promise.
namaste
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| credit {here} |
now, that you've recognized the emotion, don't judge yourself or beat yourself up for feeling blue, or angry or annoyed. instead, just breathe. that's right - just breathe. you've heard that one before, right? turning to the breathe, and consequently quieting the mind is one of the most effective tools for moving beyond difficult emotions. as you breathe, you may begin to feel the sharpness of the emotion begin to dull and begin to slowly melt away.
 |
| credit {here} |
next time funky feelings creep into your day, just notice them. recognize that they are not you and therefore can be changed. breathe and slow down. and everytime you consciously choose to move past your negative thought patterns, it will get easier - i promise.
namaste
Beautiful. Exactly what I needed to hear as we move into a very crazy new daily routine around our house. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteVery good points, Cailen! I feel like I recognize my bad mood and make the mistake at getting upset with myself over it! Not good at all.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, THANK YOU for this!! It's exactly what I've been facing this week and yesterday I finally just took some time alone to get centered and peaceful again. I sat on the back porch in the rain, wrote in my journal, acknowledged my feelings, then jotted down a few things I'm grateful for. It did wonders. :-)
ReplyDelete