Balancing Mixed Emotions

Hi. So, elections or not, life is often asking us to hold many emotions at once. Sometimes similar, and sometimes vastly different. The nature of the mind is to approach our emotions with all or nothing thinking, seeing things in a binary or divisive way. And we usually try to think our way through emotions rather than feeling or experiencing them. So in this mindful reflection exercise, I'll offer some phrases that can be supportive in reminding us that it's okay to be both. Frustrated and empowered, tired yet motivated, optimistic and upset. In doing so, we cultivate a greater sense of acceptance and compassion towards ourselves and ultimately others. Letting go of resistance to what is happening and learning to be with what is. So when you're ready, take a moment to settle in. Sitting upright with the shoulders relaxed, hands resting on the legs or down by your side. And with the eyes open to a soft gaze, taking a deep breath and on the exhale, slowly closing the eyes if you'd like. Feeling the weights of the body pressing down into the surface supporting you and feeling into those different points of contact. The feet on the floor, back on the chair, clothes on the skin. And then just beginning to notice your body, it's sensations, and also how you feel in this moment right now. And if you're unsure, that's okay. Just gently scanning the body from head to toe in a kind and curious way. Now, taking another deep breath. And as I read these phrases, you can gently rest a hand on the heart repeating after me silently, or just listening and noticing how the body responds. So it's okay to feel overwhelmed yet motivated, tired yet uplifted, discouraged and yet empowered, optimistic and confused, uncertain and still have hope, angry and accepting of how things are, grieving yet grateful. And it's okay to be both. It's human to experience both. So I allow myself to feel and be both. Now, just taking another deep breath here and noticing how you feel as you remind yourself that it's okay to feel and experience what can often seem like opposing emotions. Acceptance doesn't mean that we agree with what is happening when we look out into the world, but we're learning to let go of our resistance to it, which is beneficial for both the mind and the body. So just gently beginning to notice sounds around you in your space, inviting gentle movement into your fingers and toes. Whenever you're ready, slowly and gently opening your eyes and seeing if you can carry this quality of openness and acceptance with you into the rest of your day. Take good care, friend....