"Don’t just do something, sit there."
We all encounter rough patches and unwanted experiences. In response to them, we may feel angry, jealous, or fearful.
We are not taught to sit with difficult emotions. We are taught to push them away through busyness, food, social media, and other people. The result is they get stuck inside your body and come out in unskillful ways. You scream at your kids for giggling, or spend extra hours at work and come home exhausted, and numb out with TV and food.
We all want to change what we feel. Instead, make space for all your emotions.
- Invite them in for tea.
- Accept them as they are.
- Ask them what they are here to teach you.
- Decide to stay present for all your feelings.
- Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Say, “OK fear, anger, grief, come on in. Give me your best shot.”
Emotions are meant to be experienced, not ignored.
Every moment is useful, no matter what is happening. Feel all your feelings. It is as important as breathing, sleeping, and eating.
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