Gratitude as a path for navigating painful feelings

Gratitude

A practice for being with painful or unwanted feelings.

G - practice gratitude. Bring to mind ordinary and extraordinary things that add to your life. As you think of simple joys (e.g. hot showers, warm cups of tea, the beauty of a flower) notice what sensations unfold in your body.

R – reframe. Is there another way to think about the present challenge? What would it be like to change your mind or your perspective of the situation?

A – allow. We often brace against difficulty. What would it be like to invite your shoulders to drop, your brow to soften or your breath to slow and deepen? Instead of resisting or hating the feeling…What would it be like to just watch how the feeling shows up in your body with love, patience and compassion for your very normal, human experience?

T – take time for self-care. What do you need in this moment? Kindly offer yourself whatever feels comforting, soothing, or restorative. Choose with intention. Choose a self-care option that not only feels good in the moment but also aligns with your vision for yourself, your life, and your budget.

I - investigate. What are the causes and conditions that led to this moment? What if anything can you control? What can you let go of?

T – tell the truth. Are there facts its time you face, changes you need to make or boundaries you need to set/reset?

U – understand that your feelings are normal. Everything shifts and changes, including our emotional states. Sometimes we will feel sad, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. It does not mean we are bad or doing our lives wrong. All feelings belong. How we respond to and care for our feelings is what matters.

D – do something for someone else. Recognize where you have power and use it for good. When we help, serve, or volunteer it just feels good. It reminds us that we are not alone and highlights our connection to all human beings.

E – exercise. Studies have shown that exercise can shift energy and boost mood. In some cases, exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants for managing mild to moderate depression.

Take sweet care of you, Barbara