There are days when emotions can be hard to manage, when they are stirred up, when the depth of feeling can be too much. Yesterday into today is that kind of day.

Today, as I work with my emotions, I share my process.

It is not linear but fits and flows together according to what feels right in the moment. Each of us will have to find the tools that work for us.

• I turn to my breath; pranayama. Consciously observing the flow of breath, lengthening and strengthening each breath.
• As I begin to settle into my breath, I build awareness of how I am:
• In my body: uneasy sensations in my stomach, physical pain in my chest, weariness in my head and arms, an overall heavy feeling.
• In my heart: there are feelings of frustration, anger, hurt and grief.
• In my mind: so many thoughts and questions.

• When I have a better idea of how I am, I ask myself what is needed in the moment:
• Movement: I go to my mat - I may do vigorous practice if the emotions are anger-frustration or a gentle practice if there is hurt-grief-sadness. Consciously moving through my asanas, becoming aware of my breath and what I am feeling as I move through the postures allows me to connect and release or come to terms with what I am feeling.
• Meditation: this gives me the time to quiet my mind and to observe my feelings from a different space. I may choose to focus on:
• My breath
• A mantra or an affirmation
• A particular sensation
• Chanting (mantras or hymns) or singing (happy songs that I love): these allow for the release of emotions through sound… and also surrender to the Divine (when chanting). It is a way of acknowledging that the emotions or the situation that causes the emotions are too much for me to handle and so I surrender… Let go and let God.
• Journaling: writing helps me to process and so writing helps me to sort out the situation, as well as my thoughts and emotions.
• Creating art: helps to transform what I am feeling into something tangible.
• Seeking counsel from my Guru, my teachers or those close to me to understand if my view of the situation is skewed.
• Giving myself time and grace to have a good cry, to spend time in nature, or both.

I hope that this is helpful to you as you manage your own space!

peace,

Renee Arundhati