Emotional Hygiene
Explore the benefits of examining your thoughts and feelings through the practice of meditation and yoga. Breathwork is an active form of meditation...
"Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good." ~Malcolm Gladwell
…Through intentional and focused breathing, we open ourselves to strengthening the mind→body→spirit connection.
This year, I began a daily practice of yoga and meditation. It's my third attempt within the last five years. It's now August, and I can confidently say my dedication to the practice only deepens more each day. What started as a stubborn need to "hold my feet to the fire" has turned into curiosity about my human experience. The reality is, some days are messy and frustrating! It can be a hard slog. Other days, I'm able to tap into the precise clarity necessary for a breakthrough.
A few key factors have helped me get clear on my "why" and stay committed to showing up and doing the work.
The first concept I learned to embrace is separating my thoughts and feelings from my core self. We're often averse to looking at our feelings because it's uncomfortable. We think it implies that our emotions somehow define us, which can lead to shame creeping in. Our brain rewards us with a hit of dopamine when we immediately react, good or bad, to external stimuli. The reality is, you're not your emotions. When you observe the thoughts and feelings, letting them pass without judgment, you gain perspective. And, by being curious, there is less room to be reactive. You earn emotional freedom.
The second lesson I've learned is to lean into this practice, letting go of the idea that I'll eventually arrive at some enlightened state of being. There is no final destination. There will always be more exploration and learning to do. It's work, plain and simple. When the practice becomes more than an achievement, a status symbol, or a goal to chase, it turns into an opportunity for self-discovery. Our trajectory becomes an evolution. Exponential growth happens as you hone your awareness skill.
The last bit of information that I'd like to impart is about the idea of space. Allow for uninterrupted, dedicated time to tune in. That means separating yourself from the busyness of your day-to-day responsibilities and constant internal chatter and negative self-talk. The goal is not to be utterly blank in your mind. However, it does mean quieting external and internal demands so that introspective reflection can work its magic. As you observe your thoughts, you're better able to shift away from reacting to and being controlled by emotions. Giving them space to exist outside of our identity is a form of grace and compassion for ourselves. We learn that our thoughts and feelings don't define us.
Just as we take a shower to cleanse our bodies on the outside, mindfulness through yoga and meditation is a shower for our insides. Your job is to go within, notice without judgment, and let the emotions move through you. It should not be a "to-do" but rather an "a-ha" opportunity to become a better version of yourself.
My question to you is: Do your emotions run the show, or do YOU guide your life?
Insight to Action: Begin by sitting daily for 2 minutes with your eyes closed in a place free from distractions. Notice what comes up for you. Don't try to change or judge the thoughts, or begin a negative dialog in your head. Observe, let any emotion tied to it pass, and affirm that you've done the work. As your focus and discipline get stronger, add more time to your meditation.