We live in an interesting time, sort of a paradox. On the one hand, there is a significant “awakening” – mindfulness is being practised by more and more people, the word ‘therapy’ has released itself from all shame and it is highly accepted and recommended. On the other hand, technology allows us the alleged privilege of keeping ourselves occupied all day long, keep ourselves off everything we feel uncomfortable with. It is so easy nowadays to keep ourselves numb.
Being present is not only letting go of the past and stop trying to control the future. Being present is also about acknowledging, recognising and dealing with the feelings and emotions we are going through at the moment. Without running away, without distracting ourselves to go do other stuff like watching TV non-stop, bury ourselves in our mobiles and in worse cases – alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, shopping – it’s a long list.
It is a fine line between taking a break, which we all need from time to time, and running away. This fine line is not universally defined, it is for each one of us to determine for ourselves. I believe that deep down in our hearts, each one of us knows exactly when we cross that line.
Life can bring a lot of pain and sufferings. It’s part of every human being’s life to go through unfortunate events as well as happy events. Is it possible that we stopped believing in ourselves that we can deal with the pain? Well, here is a little exercise – next time you feel pain or fear or anger, don’t do anything else besides being with it. Stay with whatever it is that you feel and let it be. By dealing with these feelings, acknowledging their place in your life, you are bound to let them go, and free yourself of them.
I believe Brené Brown described it best in the talk you can watch down below. Here is a highlight from it:
