Finding freedom from the emotional roller coaster
“What a liberating shift!”
Over the last few months, we've received multiple requests from different organizations wanting to schedule a meditation workshop for their teams.
When we asked them what prompted the request, they shared:
We're getting acquired.
We're going through a major re-org.
We're preparing for an IPO.
"There's a lot of uncertainty. People are worried about their jobs. Information is limited right now, and the ambiguity is generating a lot of stress and anxiety."
If this scenario is similar to what you're experiencing, let's take a moment to acknowledge what you might be feeling right now.
📝You might find it helpful to journal out your feelings, simply write down what's coming to mind, transferring thoughts to paper as they arise.
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We get it.
Transitions are challenging.
Transitions entail changes. Even if the changes are self-initiated—and you absolutely know that they are for the better in the long term—changes still bring up emotions in the moment.
These emotions can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride.
Some days, there's so much excitement you feel like you can conquer the world. Some days, a sense of loss overwhelms.
And some days, fear, doubt, and uncertainty takes over the narrative; and every outcome your mind is predicting seems to only get worse.
How can you stay emotionally resilient during a transitional period?
And no. We're not talking about stopping your emotions, denying your emotions, or stuffing them down until the coast is clear.
But rather...
How can you maintain a sense of inner calm and cultivate resilience as you navigate challenging transitions necessary for growth?
Here's a liberating shift for you to consider:
Tip: Right click or control+click on the image, download and display it as a visual reminder.
Emotions are what you feel.
Emotions are not who you are.
Go ahead and read it silently to yourself a few more times.
Notice how your body may have become less tense.
Notice how your breathing may have become less constricted.
Notice how your mind may have become slightly clearer.
Notice how your whole being may have become more calm and relaxed right now.
Let's all take a breath together, then we'll explain what you're experiencing.
(If breathing is not your thing—that's okay!—try taking a sip of water instead.)
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Inhaling. (Sipping.)
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Exhale. (Swallowing.)
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We tend to describe our emotions as who we are:
I am sad. 😢
I am scared. 😱
I am angry. 😡
When we do that, sadness, fear, and anger become our identity. Our emotions become an existential crisis; which can get overwhelming.
(…and seriously, who wants to be 😢, 😱, and 😡?)
Emotions are not who you are. Emotions are what you feel. —Tweet this 🐦
I feel sadness...
As a heaviness in my heart.
I feel scared...
With a sinking sensation in my belly.
I feel anger...
There's a whole lotta heat around my head.
Emotions are experiential, not existential.
They are often experienced as physiological sensations in the body.
This understanding allows you to be less caught up in your emotions, and become more self-aware; which helps you choose a more empowering course of action that is aligned to your intentions and desired outcomes.
Let's try it.
Looking over the list of emotions you'd journaled out earlier:
1. Identify where in your body, are you experiencing each emotion
2. Observe each emotion in the body—notice where it arises, how it unfolds, and when it ends
3. When the emotion has passed, ask yourself, “What's my most aligned next step in this moment?”
(...it could be self-care, like taking a walk, talking to a trusted friend, or hitting the gym; or it could be taking actual action to problem solve and resolve an issue...)
Woot! You did great!
Let's take another breath (or sip of water) together.
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Now, we'd love to hear from you.
Has this been helpful? 📩 Comment below and let us know how. 📩
We read every comment, and would love to share relevant resources, tips, and meditations to help you find your #freedom!
💗This perspective shift can liberate people who are going through transitions—moving, leaving a job, attaining a new job, navigating a relationship shift etc.—from the roller coaster ride of emotions. If you know someone, a friend, colleague, or client, who can benefit from this exercise, forward this resource to them.👇👇👇(They’ll thank you for it!)