Twice in the past week I have read interesting passages about awareness. The first was actually in my horoscope. According to the stars, I was in for a very emotionally trying day and the advice from Susan Miller was to “be aware of those feelings because they are the antidote to being dragged down.”
The second reference, was in the book that I have been enjoying — The Untethered Soul, where author, Michael Singer, challenges us to be aware of how we are effected by the world around us. And further, to use that awareness to usher negative feelings out of our minds.
I am clinging to this concept because it feels so tangible to me. Awareness is something I can do. It is tactical. In yoga, awareness is central to the practice. Admittedly, I only really practice yoga in a class setting, where I am reminded to be aware when prompted by my instructor: “be aware of your breath, your body and the state of your mind” all while on the mat.
But once I leave the mat, what do I do with that awareness? How can I let it steer the rest of my life that is crazy, chaotic and emotionally charged?
This morning I woke up with a little sadness in my heart. My kids were buzzing around and I was making breakfast and staying busy trying to get them ready for school. But I couldn’t shake the heaviness. I knew that it would stay with me all day if I didn’t address it. So, instead of pushing it aside, I faced it head on. I paused. I thought about what I was feeling and why I was feeling it. I gave the sadness a moment to pass through me, and then, just as if it were going through a revolving door, it was gone.
You know what I discovered? In order for that technique to be truly effective, you have to be entirely honest with yourself. I want to be strong all the time. And fearless. And ok with being an independent woman through this divorce. But this morning, I felt weak and just a little bit lonely. And that was what caused my sadness. But the moment I stopped to acknowledge its existence, it was as if I unlocked that emotion and allowed it to pass.
I think awareness really is a powerful antidote to the feelings that weigh us down, but it can only be effective if we are willing to face those feelings with honesty.