When you feel all the feels
do you feel anger differently than the others? Anger is an interesting emotion as it's more of a red flag warning us that something is wrong. Oftentimes, it's not the thing right in front of us that we think that's making us angry but we do create patterns in reacting in anger over "the thing." Anger is our bodies way to alert us to a less than serving pattern we've been repeating either within ourselves or in relationship with others. When we respond instead with pause, we allow ourselves time to gain clarity and the first step toward changing and diffusing it. How much do yogis love a good pause?! In the pause, what do we notice? What is it that's happening in me or around me that's causing me to feel angry? What am I doing? What is my priority and can I act in a way that serves it? What pattern is no longer serving me that I can let go of? What's really important here? How can this red flag move me toward creating a healthier and more serving pattern? How can I use even taking in a deep breath to ground me in myself, my words or actions so that I live the life I want. I am the beginning of a new pattern that serves me better.
These days with Covid, social injustices, protests, politics and reform can give us plenty to feel angry about. Suffice it to say, these days can give us lots of pause practice. This environment only exacerbates areas in our lives where unhealthy patterning can live. As yogis, can we allow this time time for pause toward more serving patterns?
Even as we are unable to practice together, there can still be some good inner work happening. When circumstances give rise to anger, pause and ask yourself the questions in order to move your life to the life you want and the relationships you want.
I wish you all wellness and I know us yogis can smile behind our masks for our own hearts and for the world that sure needs some pause. We'll get through this. We'll get back to our practice in community again and my hope is we'll all be better for it. You are the beginning of change. Today is the day. :)
With so much love,
Jill