3 ways to work with “negative” emotions
September 2, 2024 | 5 CommentsAudio only version is here
Meditation begins at 12:00
Dear wonderful Open Heart Project,
It’s possible you thought, as did I, that meditation would help you feel…less. Less rage. Less sorrow. I’d have even settled for less crankiness. No such luck–I’m still a human being. I made this video for those of you who fear that anger or other so-called negative emotions mean you are not a spiritual person. YOU ARE!
Before today’s sit, I offer some thoughts on how to work with our most difficult feelings. Note: none of these suggestions are about becoming anything other than who you are. All of them are about how we can work with anything that arises within us as our path: even rage, bitterness, fear, and heartache, all the things we just wish we did not have to feel. It is all fodder for your awakening. At least that’s what I think.
What do you think? I always love to hear from you.
With love, Susan
categorized in: dharma, meditation, open heart project
5 Comments
Oh Susan it’s been a long time since I’ve seen my emails and meditated with you.
The timing on this is perfect.
I’m embracing the “potent feeling of being awake” and the “wisdom of the energy – “wake fullness clarity and the ability to focus” without the story.
I look forward to one day reflecting accurately on that which is most true, especially when connected to compassion. embrace the energy without escaping into story or to self blame.
Thank you– from my heart.
As my husband navigates the funhouse of cognitive impairment, my emotions have ranged from resentment to frustration – and I’m seeing that these are teachers about impermanence (among other issues). There’s no side-stepping the head spinning unpredictability, but meeting it with anxiety or frustration does absolutely nothing to help me cope. Clarity peeks out occasionally as I am learning to look at where the negativity comes from. Honestly, the raw softness of sadness is a gentle lens for viewing the present. I think that there is a cultural aspect, too. We’re generally raised to reject negative emotions, experience shame or dismay/panic when we experience them. Perhaps validating expression is a more thoughtful, less reflexive way to engage with our children who are learning to live authentically. Hmmm.
Thank you Susan for your wisdom and clarity on this difficult subject of working with ‘negative emotions’ and using them for transformation
Thank you Susan for your wisdom and clarity on this difficult subject of negative emotions and describing the ways that can lead to transformation.
Marion posted a comment that says it all for me as well.
Sending love and appreciation,
Diana.
Anger is something I’m working on and this will help. Thanks! One area where I use it to harness it’s energy is when I’m weight lifting.
Makes sense! And glad this was helpful, Carl.