You're Not Going to Feel Like This Forever

I had a sweet revelation during my pranayama practice today. I noticed an abstract feeling in my heart. It had a tone of slight discomfort, but overall, it was neutral. And reflexively, a response came to me - 'I am not going to feel this way forever'.

This statement felt incredibly caring and supportive. It's not that I was feeling my worst. It was more like a reminder. No matter what I feel, it won't last forever.

As comforting as the statement was, it can sometimes cause a sense of anxiety. Imagine that statement comes up when you're feeling good about something. It's gonna make you feel extremely protective and possessive about that feeling. It's gonna want you to control whatever is happening around you. You're going to want to hold on to that feeling forever.

It was then I realized that I could not control anything. Not my circumstances, nor my emotions. I do not have the resources or the technical knowledge to do so. I do not possess anything.

This realization was humbling, to say the least. I can cherish my moments more because now, I am aware of this. The time I spend with my loved ones becomes even more precious, appreciating all that they do(/have done) for us, and to linger every chance I get. I want to document and remember every moment of laughter, of the smiles, of the pain - and everything we did to overcome it.

It was an upsetting realization. But it also meant that I need to be compassionate about what I interpret, and how I respond to the people around me.

Still, this statement is comforting. It's nice to know that in the moments we thought we failed or lost out, we can still carry on. Life has a way of getting us back up on our feet.

The sun rises again, and you will too.

Energetic Alchemy

Or giving a physical form to our (usually abstract) emotions.

Our emotions are intangible aspects of our habits and behaviours. Our intentions and actions are usually driven by underlying emotions. Sometimes, these emotions can get abstract and incomprehensible. As humans, we tend to get afraid of emotions that we can't comprehend.

To put it in a simple context, emotions are 'Energy in motion'. As humans, we're made up of matter that consists of energy. As humans, it's also difficult for us to comprehend or make sense of our emotions. However, it is of great assistance when we are aware of what the surging emotions feel like, or what they're trying to express towards us.

One of the ways we can learn to comprehend our emotions is by giving them a physical form. Painting, doodling or simply expressing with colours are great resources that can encourage us to give our emotions a physical form.

In my experience, when I used paints to express my emotions on paper, I felt relieved. It felt as if my abstract emotions were now on paper, in a tangible form, and I didn't have to worry about them anymore. The relief provided a sense of lightness and free-flowing space in my body.

You can physically express your emotions through any art form or creative practice using your body as the channel. This can also include singing, dancing, a soulful cooking session, gardening or even journalling.

All of these expressions do not have to look like anything or follow a certain pattern. These expressions, allow us a glimpse or an immersive experience into what we are truly feeling in the moment. It give us the space to channel the raw energy. With no scrutiny, judgment or criticism. Simply witnessing your natural, wild self.