Overcoming Seductive Sadness
Unhappy moods can be like comfortable sweaters, those old ones: familiar, worn and with the right kind of smell. When we're in a sad place, or actually with any dissatisfied feelings, we want that comfy sweater. We actually can feel really safe wearing it. It's dark and cozy. Choosing to feel the full feeling of those emotions are powerful. In some way wrapping that sweater tight, we are powerful. Bad moods are seductive this way. When our sorrows claim us, then we demand attention, and sympathy. We're the object of our friend's attention. And when the universe makes sure no one is home when you call, there's that cozy sweater again, that old sweatshirt, or those bed covers. The lure is even stronger. The problem is that when we're ruled by these emotions-oh yes. We're not really in control here-we're not happy. That is not to say those feelings are not important. There are reasons to be angry, to sorrow, and to grieve. We need those emotions as much as laughter, but it is easy to let those emotions seduce us into lingering there long after the fight or the crying is done. You know what happens if you wear an article of clothing too long? You don't wash it, you don't let it air out in the warm breeze and touched by the warmth of the sun? Yeah. It gets smelly and unpleasant. Ich. You really cannot stay that way. So when that fusty sweater gets too cozy, it's time to take a deep breath and find some other article of clothing to wear. Literally. Or you could make yourself a scrumptious brunch, or read a funny story, or watch a funny move. Even better call a friend over for dinner. This can be tough. Why? Because you don't want to indulge in more angst. You took off the sweater. Focus on cooking or ordering in some fabulous meal to share; light candles. Talk about something different. Find out what's going on with them. Choose a change of pace. There are times happiness is an act of will. When those blue feelings become familiar, it's hard work to look for contentment. If the sad feelings trap you, beyond their natural course, you have to decide you want a different emotion. It does not have to be a sudden switch. Our emotions do not really work like that. It isn't like turning a light on. Sometimes it means taking several moments during the day and take a few deep breaths and just look outside, or think of something positive. After a while, that change of pace, those moments of deep breath and stillness and you find that the warm breeze is running its fingers through your hair and the warm sun is caressing your face. And the true gift of sorrow is revealed. We know how much this joy is worth. About The Author Maria Boers Morris has published short stories, one at www.writershood.com, and an e-book on Creating Positive Thought, at www.ebookad.com. More motivational e-books will be available through www.jwrites.com in the near future.
MORE RESOURCES:
Higher education, with yogaGlobe and Mail, Canada - 19 hours ago... a gymnasium and a 1700-seat varsity centre that can host convocation ceremonies, as well as dozens of dance, fitness and yoga studios. ... |
The medicinal powers of yogaCBC.ca, Canada - Sep 5, 2008But medical research that's been accumulating over the past 10 to 15 years is showing that yoga can provide health benefits that many people may not realize ... |
Reaching out through yogaFort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN - 17 hours agoShe also hopes it can change the world, which is why the Indiana native founded the non-profit Yoga World Reach (www.yogaworldreach.org) in Vail, Colo., ... |
Yoga At Cranberry Lake PreserveWestchester.com, NY - 23 hours agoThen join certified Kripalu Yoga instructor Franklin Shire for an outdoor morning session, Saturday, September 13, 9:30 am at Cranberry Lake Preserve in ... |
Kundalini Yoga ‘Awakens’ Cancer PatientsCancerWise - Sep 5, 2008By Darcy De Leon Kundalini yoga is a practice that uses a series of postures, movement, sound, breathing and meditation to free energy starting from the ... |
Yoga - Google News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How Our Beliefs Narrow The Limits Of Our Possibilities
The universe is vast, it's dimensions inconceivable, it's potentialities unimaginable, and we know too that our own consciousness has depths to it that are virtually infinite, and yet despite this enormity within and without, we choose to confine ourselves to beliefs in scarce resources.These beliefs, like all our beliefs, are not true, yet, because of the earnestness of our conviction and our genius in adumbrating the numerous aspects of our impoverishment, we take our beliefs to be true.
The Illusion of Failure
The most dangerous thing is illusion.~ Ralph Waldo EmersonFailure is impossible.
Envisioning Your Ideal Self
In my work as a professional coach, I've had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of individuals. I've found that people who are successful and fulfilled share common characteristics.
Success Through The Way You Think About Yourself
If you think you are a loser, you train or work like a loser i.e.
The TRUTH About What REALLY Causes Negative Thoughts
Do you feel that your negative thoughts are holding you back from being happy in life? You're about to discover HOW you can still live HAPPILY when things don't go your way..
Is The Glass Half-full Or Half-empty?
Keep focusing on the fullness of your life: Keep remembering your dreams, your strengths, your unique talents and skills. Be absolutely, uniquely, fully yourself and you have everything you need to create the life of your dreams.
The Ultimate In Positive Thinking?
I will never forget an evening in 2003, when I met an amazing gentleman. I had, for several weeks, had a problem with my foot and ankle, having great trouble walking because of the pain.
Self-Recovery from Addiction: Taking Responsibility for Your Life
I've had several coaching clients come to me who, while they wanted to move forward in life, were actually stuck in a self-destructive addiction. Of course, I cannot directly confront them about their addictions, as they had to open up to me that it was part of the problem that was keeping them in the same rut in which they found themselves day-after-day.
Look for the Positives
Our lives are overflowing with negative information from the newspapers, magazines, television and radio. Nations are at war, thousands are dying of starvation and hundreds are killed by natural disasters.
Ditch Lack of Confidence and Unlock Full Potential
Being the next Carmen Electra or Paris Hilton might or might not appeal to all you, but there are things that do appeal to you, and you don't do them.Maybe this is because you lacked the confidence to reach out for it or maybe this is because you just we're not sure it was right for you.
Are You Trying to Lose?
Just 2 nights ago my partner and I were watching a cricket game from Zimbabwe on cable TV. The team that was currently batting was leading by a huge margin in the 1st innings but during the 2nd innings were 'dropping out like flies'.
Self-esteem: Does It Really Matter?
Some people are full of confidence and able to meet even the most difficult challenge with an air of authority. A good level of self-esteem is essential for us to function successfully in our professional and personal lives.
Thinking Your Way To Success: Materializing Your Goals Through The Power of Thought
THOUGHTS are powerful. The power of THOUGHTS cannot be underestimated.
Doubting Your Way To Success!... Ridiculous... Oh?
Ever had a problem with doubts? Ever felt that nagging feeling down in the pit of your stomach that says, "It ain't gonna happen this time"? Have you ever wanted to throw in the towel and just quit? If so, you've experienced having your head full of doubts. Here is the good bad and ugly.
Change Your Mind; Change Your Luck
When I was a young man, even a teenager for that matter, I always had an optimism that was hard for others to overcome. Even in the midst of the all the negative influences from family and peers, this positive optimism was difficult to beat down.
Are You A Victim Of FABS? Part One
Have you heard of the FABS? The FABS are quadruplets; they are not identical but they are very, very similar! The FABS are: Fear, Anger, Blame and Shame. This quartet love to arrive, uninvited, at people's houses and literally stay forever.
How to Stay Positive in a Negative World
Gail's StoryGail is a friend of mine and she was relating to me for the hundredth time about the situation her brother was in. Gary is a nice enough guy.
Anamchara - Beyond Positive Thinking
One of the most well known books ever written on success is James Allan's "As a man thinketh."This book advocates thinking in a positive manner in order to create the life you dream of having.
Positive Thinking on Negativity
The other day I bought an unusual piece of software: It runs positive affirmations on my computer, so they can influence me while I work. Sentences like "I am full of confidence" or "I love everyone I meet".
Your Best Defense Against Aging: Your Attitude To Life
In the international bestseller, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell explains how researchers who study mind-reading using body language and facial expressions found that the old clichéd advice to smile when you're feeling down really works.Just moving those facial muscles into a happier position can actually perk you up mentally and emotionally, say the researchers, who are finally beginning to understand and accept the link between mind and body.
|
