Mindfulness: Being Kind to Yourself

Do you wake up some days feeling stressed, sad, angry – or any other emotion that we would normally label as “bad”?  I have those types of days. We all do – if only we allow ourselves to admit it!

Do you fight the feelings and beg for it to go away so you can simply feel stress-free, happy or at peace?  Most of us do.

It is said “What we resist, will persist”

So why do we often resist those so-called “bad” feelings? It is because all our lives we are taught that it’s “bad” or “not right” to be aware of our feelings. Resisting our emotions, simply makes them sit in our bodies and possibly cause physiological or physical reactions.

For instance, imagine a time when you got startled by someone or something – most likely your heart started racing, your palms got cold or sweaty, or your rate of breathing changed. So clearly, an emotion (fear) creates a physical response in our body.

Similarly, other emotions such as anger or sadness also create physiological or hormonal reactions in our bodies.  There truly is a mind-body connection.

“Just as thoughts are the language of the brain, feelings are the language of the body. And how you think and how you feel create a state of being. A state of being is when your mind and body are working together. So your present state of being is your genuine mind-body connection.”

Joe Dispenza, You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter

Try another approach when a so-called “bad” emotions come up. Use your mind as your ally to help transform yourself. This is where mindfulness can be of benefit. Rather than denying what you feel, allow yourself to experience it without judgement and as an impartial observer.

Do not judge the feeling as good or bad. Simply notice it with interest and curiosity. This is part of being mindful.

By being an impartial observer, you will gradually become less reactive to your thoughts or emotions. You will be able to make better decisions.

You may even ask your emotions some questions. “Why are you here today?”. “What wisdom or lesson do you have for me today?”.

At first you may not notice anything or receive any wisdom. However with increased awareness of your thoughts, emotions and feelings you might just be surprized by what you learn. All from your own inner wisdom and body.

If you would like to be a part of an on-line community who shares knowledge and experiences on mindfulness and provides support for reach other to grow and transform – join my Facebook group http://tinyurl.com/qh3asj7 

If you enjoyed this post, please remember to share with others.

What have you experienced when you allow yourself to experience your thoughts or feelings as an impartial observer? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking forward to hearing from you or seeing you in the facebook group!

Avdeep