On Emotions
Emotions are signals prompting us to consider: are we in truth or are we in an illusion? Negative emotions in particular show us precisely when we’ve fallen out of our true nature, which is whole, peaceful, joyous—happy.
Most of us to some degree have a dysfunctional relationship with emotions. We shove them down, don’t recognize them, or disown them by blaming another for their existence. This attempt to not feel can materialize into addictions, bodily ills, and fractured relationships.
We also sometimes over identify with feeling states, saying “I am anxious” or “I am depressed”. If we could disconnect this temporary state from our identity—relaying it as “I notice some sadness here” or “I notice a depression here”—we would remain in our fullness, our strength.
Our role then is to stand lovingly as a compassionate nonreactive space for emotions. We must allow them and be mindful not to let them move us to negative habits, addictions, and blaming. In holding this space, we may find emotions have little to do with the events and people in our lives today. They are reminders of past experiences and beliefs in need of retranslating, healing.
What we have long pushed away then become avenues for restoration, integration, and a full coming home to Self.
