TheLovingPath: September 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Unexpressed Emotion is Stored As Tension

As we go through each day, we experience emotions; some we welcome and others we don’t. These feelings arise from our interpretation of external events as well as our thoughts. And we have all been taught to forego, to suppress, the expression of at least some of our emotions in order to conform to society and a perceived need to keep order.

The problem arises when we do not express our emotions for fear of causing disruption. As a result, we store the emotions and, unfortunately, after a time, they erupt, usually inappropriately, because the tension built to the breaking point. So, it is more efficient and healthier to find ways to express emotions appropriately, remembering that it is not the emotion that is wrong; that the only issue is expressing it inappropriately.

So, take time to practice becoming comfortable expressing your emotions, doing so openly and with respect for yourself as well as others. To have feelings is human. To express them allows compassion, bonding, and sharing; experiences that add so much to living.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Difficulties are Disguised Opportunities

We truly desire that each day will go as we planned and assume that our ideas about this are correct so they are all we need. However, as we all know, this doesn't happen. Before we know it, our well-laid plans go awry. And usually we view the detours as difficulties.

It is important to remember that you are viewing your life from a limited perspective – from a vantage point that automatically excludes anything outside your realm of reality. This means you are aware of only a fraction of what is possible and only some of what is necessary. Therefore, what is viewed as a difficulty is usually just an opportunity in disguise. It is the detours that promote an expanded view of life and growth.

So, when your day takes a detour, remember to view it with curiosity and move toward it with a sense of adventure and possibility. You will discover there is more to living than you have imagined.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

No Two People Experience the Same Reality

Constantly, events are occurring in our environment and we notice some of them. We respond, even if only internally. And we assume that everyone else noticed what did and saw what we saw. But, this is not so.

Whenever something happens in our environment, our filtering system determines what we ultimately experience. Our filtering system is our genetics, experiences, values, norms, current emotional state, current physical state, etc. There are many factors that come into play that decide what we experience whenever something occurs in our environment.

Therefore, it is important to be aware that just because another person was in the same place as you when something happened, their experience of it may, and probably will be, different from yours. By knowing this, you are able to become an inquisitive person who is nonjudgmental because you know that their perceived reality is not yours.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Now is All There Is

Planning, reminiscing, worrying, longing……… There are so many words we use to describe how we are living at any given moment. Unfortunately, so often these words refer either to the past or the future. And while it is important to heal from our past and to plan for the future, it is also vital that we spend time in the present.

It is “now” that offers living fully; spending time experiencing what is happening. Sometimes “now” is painful. But by allowing yourself to actually feel it, you are able to attend to it and heal. There are times that “now” is exciting and since this doesn’t happen often, it is wonderful to fully feel it. And, usually “now” is benign and it is also important to enjoy the ease of this and remember to be grateful.

Most of us live our lives having never been there. Be sure that you are not one of them. Be fully present in the “now” because the past is gone and the future depends upon the “now”. And it is the ”now” that provides peace, joy, and the opportunity to heal.