RADICAL ACCEPTANCE, EVEN
Lately, my body feels like it’s showing up to work, but my mind and heart seem to be elsewhere. Before I try to take time to figure out what is going on-or what is causing this moodiness-I notice there is a guilt that comes with those thoughts and feelings of dissatisfaction/moodiness.
Lately, my body feels like it’s showing up to work, but my mind and heart seem to be elsewhere.
Before I try to take time to figure out what is going on-or what is causing this moodiness-I notice there is a guilt that comes with those thoughts and feelings of dissatisfaction/moodiness.
There isn’t anything particular wrong or worrisome, I am able to purchase food, sleep with a roof over my head in a safe place, and I am able to clothe and bathe myself.
So what exactly is it then?
What I quickly come to realize that follows that guilt is judgment.
“Why would you feel like this, you have everything you need?”
“Why are you acting so ungrateful?”
“You are supposed to wake up happy every day, stop wasting time.”
This self-critical talk and judgment than adds on an additional layer to the already moody me.
I become even more irritated or agitated, the guilt, shame and blame feel too overwhelming, and I either push it away, distract myself, or ignore completely. I am realizing this is not serving me, and am actively working on re-wiring my brain.
So…..here’s what I’d like to propose:
What would happen if we actually just welcomed, sat with, and felt those moody & dissatisfied feelings?
What would it look like to let that guilt wash over us, and release it from our mind + bodies?
I’m noticing that when I tack on these extra layers of guilt, judgment, or shame, I just prolong the process of being able to move out of this. Note to self: DO NOT RUSH THE PROCESS, TRUST THE PROCESS.
I am proposing a radical self-acceptance for all feelings, whether they’re moody or joyful.
Radical Acceptance meaning we are able to stare at whatever our feelings are straight in the face, allow them to seep into every part of our body, without rushing them out.
Please do not think that this is an easy process. This can hurt. This can bring up other emotions/thoughts that we might have been suppressing because it’s easier. It takes time. It’s raw. BUT it is necessary.
After we have given our self time and trust that we will move out of this, we find that the feelings become fluid, and we can make space for new feelings.
PRACTICE:
Imagine your body is like a hotel-you are able to to welcome guests (feelings) in, but you can decide whether you make the bed for them over and over, and allow them to extend their stay, or whether it is time to allow other guests to check in.
You don’t turn guests away, they are always able to come inside and stay for a bit, but you decide just how long.
Good luck friends, and remember, this is a practice.