Have you been feeling a “bit of this” AND a “bit of that” during the last two months? I think most of us have had some range of feelings to having our life and work being turned upside down.
You may be familiar with the expression “Yes, And” as a way to acknowledge that we can feel conflicting emotions about a situation or life in general. Reminding ourselves to express the “AND” emotion is a great way to help us get through emotional times in our life. Can I be afraid AND have moments of laughter? Can I be scared AND enjoy the beauty of nature? You might wonder if it’s possible to entertain the paradox of these conflicting feelings.
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."
- William James
Stressful circumstances challenge our self-awareness and raise new questions. Usually under stress, we seek a feeling of control. We want to gather information so we can prepare for what’s next. So it’s important to look at your source. During Covid-19 we might be turning to the news and social media for information and have mixed feelings as you listen or read the latest information. You might feel fear/anxiety/sadness/anger AND feel yourself take deep breaths to find mindfulness/calm/peace/appreciation. It’s important to remember we can’t always feel one way all the time; many different emotions can arise in any one situation.
“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse
So the next time you are feeling afraid or worried after reading or listening to the latest updates on Covid, I invite to step into your AND. Let all emotions be welcome. Connect with your inner observer to seek your AND. Go be with nature to feel and see beauty, be creative to be inspired, watch or listen to someone that makes you laugh. By connecting and seeking for your AND, you come to embrace your emotions. You can feel comfortable in being afraid AND, yet feel comfort in your happiness. You can feel sad AND enjoy a laugh. You can feel uninspired AND enjoy playing with your creativity. How does it feel to let the paradox of both feelings flow? For me, there is no better place to be than walking and being with the beauty of nature when I am feeling sad or afraid. Mother nature nurtures my soul as I allow both feelings to flow. For me that is healing. 💜
“You can’t change what’s going on around you until you start changing what’s going on within you.” - Zig Zigler
Rebecca Zacarias -
Creative Life Coach and believer of living a Soul-Driven Life
Curiously Creative Founder, Creative Soul Care™
https://www.creativesoulcare.com
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