Emotions rise and fall. It is a given. It can be expected in this world. This I know all too well in my life with all of the challenges I have faced. Yet, through the practice of mindfulness I am seeing my way through the pain and other challenges that go along with an unfortunate strong resurgence of my fibromyalgia.
The last few years have been mild in its occurrences, but I knew from when I was first diagnosed in 2015, my doctor was clear that it could always shift and change since it is a lifelong condition. Recently, I have had to return to medication after being off of it for three years. But I came to the place of acceptance that I needed assistance with the pain. It was disappointing to seemingly start at square one again, well maybe you could say, square three. I am resting as much as I can and using the tools I know that assist me in self-care. Almost two weeks ago my doctor told me that I have great coping skills since I am a mindfulness practitioner/teacher as well as a yoga teacher.
This doesn’t mean that there are times I don’t feel frustrated, lonely, or at odds with this condition, because I most certainly do. My emotions around this ebb and flow just like waves in the ocean. The same with my thoughts regarding this resurgence.
But how do I deal with it?
Our minds are amazing when you come to think about it. Even modern science is discovering more and more about our mind. The fact is our minds do wander and we can seem to be aimless. However, a wandering mind is not always a liability. It can be an asset to creativity. It’s when our thoughts turn to stress, resentment, anger or other similar emotions that it can adversely affect our physical, emotional and mental health.
Mindfulness can give us a true gift by the detachment. This occurs when we take a step back and be an observer. We can learn to acknowledge, accept and release the seeming negative thoughts that pervade our mind. If we are present to the mind disturbance without actively trying to make it something other than it is, we can find we can release the grip this negative loop seems to hold.
We no longer need to spiral into negative thought patterns that seem to drive our behavior. We can be with what is. That sounds difficult when we are in the midst of a meltdown, however, it is actually what will bring us forward and into peace. The Light of Awareness shone brightly on whatever the “it” is will perform its healing task.
In the throes of this downward spiral may not seem like the perfect scenario to meditate, however, it is actually the best time to do so as it is when you need this the most. I certainly know that myself and I am grateful for my practice as well as the various classes I teach throughout the week and private clients I assist. It brings me joy to share mindfulness with others, thus lifts my mood.
When we realize we have the power to direct our mind, we can facilitate change in our lives. This doesn’t mean we are absent of all emotions, it means that we will not be controlled by our emotions. Being mindful allows us to live our lives from a rational, calm, and peaceful viewpoint. It starts simply with practice. The more you practice, the better you feel and the more you will have the desire to maintain such a practice. You are not helpless in the occurrences in your life. You can have peace, you have to want that peace to be present.
I know I truly desire the peace, how about you?
See below for a 5 minute meditation that will help you to release the nagging thoughts and emotions and a graphic for being mindful of our emotions.
- Take a moment to observe any emotion present.
- What emotion do I feel most strongly?
- Where in the body do I feel the emotion?
- Did it feel comfortable or uncomfortable?
- What can I learn from this?
- What mindful action will I take in what I observed?
If you need assistance in being more present to the emotions in your life, you can work with me in Mindfulness instruction or Transformational Mindful Coaching. Learn more here.
You must log in to post a comment.