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Three Ways We Avoid Feelings . . .and What We Can Do About It

9/21/2024

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Three Ways We Avoid Feelings . . .and What We Can Do About It
Takeaway Summaries:
  • We often avoid feelings by staying busy, using technology, or overthinking.
  • Facing our emotions can lead to more happiness and peace.
  • Simple steps can help us connect with our feelings.
In today's busy world, it's easy to ignore our feelings. But avoiding them can stop us from being truly happy.

​Here are three ways we often dodge our emotions and how we can face them in a healthy way.
1. Keeping Ourselves Busy
Many people pack their days with activities to avoid thinking about their feelings. While this might work for a while, it can lead to stress and feeling disconnected from ourselves.
What We Can Do:
  • Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day being still and noticing your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
  • Plan Relaxation Time: Make sure to include breaks in your week where you can relax and think about how you feel.
2. Using Technology as an Escape
With so many gadgets and apps, it's easy to use technology to avoid dealing with emotions. Whether it's scrolling through social media or watching videos, these distractions can keep us from facing our true feelings.
What We Can Do:
  • Take a Break from Screens: Turn off your devices regularly to spend time with your thoughts and emotions. Start by taking short breaks and gradually increase them.
  • Do Offline Activities: Find hobbies that don't involve screens, like drawing or going for a walk, to help you connect with yourself.
3. Overthinking Our Emotions
Some people try to deal with their feelings by thinking about them too much instead of actually feeling them. This can create a wall between what we think and what we feel.
What We Can Do:
  • Write About Your Feelings: Keep a journal where you write down your thoughts and emotions freely. This helps in recognizing your feelings instead of just thinking about them.
  • Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with a friend or counselor who can listen without judging or analyzing.
Action Steps:
  1. Set a Daily Quiet Time: Spend at least 5 minutes each day in silence, focusing on your breathing and how you feel.
  2. Limit Screen Time: Choose one day a week to unplug from all screens for at least an hour.
  3. Start a Feelings Journal: Write down your emotions once a day to better understand what you're feeling.
By noticing how we avoid our emotions and taking steps to face them, we can find more joy and peace in our lives. Embracing our feelings helps us move from unhappiness to true happiness.
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Harnessing Meditation for Busy Minds: Embracing Restlessness and Racing Thoughts

9/21/2024

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  ​Meditation for Non-Meditators
Meditation can seem daunting, especially if you're new to it and find your mind racing or your body restless. However, these experiences are not signs of failure. Instead, they are natural parts of the meditation journey.
Even experienced practitioners with a regular meditation practice deal with restlessness and other meditation challenges.
Here are three key takeaways about meditation:
  • Awareness is the Goal: The primary aim of meditation is to cultivate awareness—of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
  • Racing Thoughts are Normal: It's common to have a busy mind during meditation. The practice involves gently bringing your focus back whenever you notice your mind wandering.
  • Explore Different Techniques: Meditation isn't limited to sitting in silence. There are various practices like walking meditation and journaling that can enhance your mindfulness journey.
Understanding Awareness
Meditation is about being aware of awareness itself. This means paying attention to what you are experiencing in the present moment without judgment. Regular practice can improve your understanding of your physical body, emotions, and thoughts. One simple technique is focusing on the breath or even on the sensation in your feet. This can help anchor your mind and bring you back to the present moment.
Alternative Practices
If sitting still feels challenging, consider these alternative mindfulness practices:
  • Walking Meditation: This involves walking slowly and paying attention to each step and breath. It can help improve balance and reduce stress.
  • Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful way to practice mindfulness. It helps you process emotions and recognize patterns in your thinking.
  • Contemplative Practices: These include meditating on spiritual texts or using mantras. Such practices offer insights into yourself and can deepen your meditation experience.
Three Action Items
​To integrate meditation into your life, try these simple steps:
  1. Start Small: Dedicate just five minutes a day to focus on your breath or a specific sensation in your body.
  2. Incorporate Walking Meditation: Add a short mindful walk into your daily routine, focusing on the movement of your feet and the rhythm of your breath.
  3. Keep a Journal: Spend a few minutes each day writing about your thoughts and feelings. Use prompts like "What am I grateful for today?" or "What emotions am I experiencing?" to guide you.
Remember, meditation is a personal journey. It's about finding what works for you and being kind to yourself as you explore different techniques. With patience and regular practice, you'll likely find greater awareness and peace in everyday life.
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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Presentations/ Talks
  • Workshops
    • Nature Retreat
    • Embrace Boredom & Loneliness Workshop
    • Eliminate Depression and Anxiety Workshop
    • Happiness Workshop
    • End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks Workshop
    • Walking Meditation
    • Make Stress Your Friend
    • Harnessing Your Negative Emotions
    • Write It Out - Journaling Workshop
  • About