Feeling Flat! What to do with that?

I have been reminded of lots of helpful things this past fortnight. I realise I often repeat myself as it helps me to remember things that assist me in riding the ups and downs of life with more peace and joy. I trust they may be of benefit to you too.

As we have discussed emotions arise and sometimes it is tricky to deal with them, especially the unwanted ones! I have been feeling a little flat of late and also have had a bit of a confidence block regarding posting this blog. I have been wondering what to do with that! I wrote myself a note of encouragement, which read 

Good Morning .....
I trust you will be feeling brighter soon
Remember just like the weather feelings like sad and lacking confidence come and go
You will not always feel this way and you have some wonderful tools to deal with the inevitable ups and downs of life 
Remember to do your best to avoid doing either of 2 unhelpful things.....
1.  Don't attach to the feeling with a whole worry, catastrophe story  
2.  Don't try to push the feelings away
Instead ....... 
Accept the feeling (embrace it)  be curious, breath and allow the feelings to pass by (again and again if necessary)
And then you will be free to do something wise, like .....

• Do you best to be of benefit to others - in your job and interactions with others 
• Your best to benefit others also includes balanced self care of you too - so you can be of benefit to others. Balanced self care includes getting enough rest, eating well and being a kind and encouraging friend to yourself with your self - talk 

And a couple more thoughts.....

• As Eckhart Tolle reminds us 'Whatever you fight you strengthen, and what you resist, persist and as Carl Jung  says 'What you resist persists. What you embrace dissolves.

I like the word embrace - it implies to me a kind acceptance of the feeling, which allows for a letting go!

I also like the word encourage. I recently read, encourage can mean to 'give courage! So we can give others and ourselves courage by using kind, encouraging words. As this quote from Theologians says 'Encourage one another and build each other up.'And yourself too!

A sense of Curiosity and wonder is so helpful  When we bring a sense of wonder or curiosity to what is occurring with thoughts and feelings we open up to letting them pass rather than to attach to them, push them away or be judgmental or unkind.

I arrived at the Mission on Friday and the chef's daughter, Disney, was wearing a nutcracker dress for dress up day at school. On the dress it read 'Curious and Brilliant'. What a lovely reminder!
​As I have often repeated, I truly believe the true cause of our own peace and contentment lies in less worry and concern about ourselves and more concern about how we can be of benefit to others.

And as I reminded myself it is important to remember to be kind to you too and take care of yourself too so you can be of benefit to others. If we run ourselves into the ground with work, worry and stress we are not much good to others or ourselves! So that balanced self care.

Sometimes it can be more than 'feeling a bit flat' and maybe seeking the support of someone else is what is needed  Reaching out to others, including friends, family or professionals for support  help is important Not only does it provide an opportunity to feel better, it also provides and opportunity for them to help! A win, win!

So what did I do with 'feeling flat' and a confidence block regarding sending this blog? What is the best way to overcome feeling flat, and my confidence block?

1. Accept the feelings of 'flat' and 'hesitantly' regarding this blog, with curiosity and embrace, Hmmm I wonder what is going on?
2. Breathe, and let it pass and
3. Encouraged myself to do my best to do what I need to do to benefit others. So I need to be that kind and encouraging friend to myself and do my best to .....

• Prepare for teaching my yoga class! 
• Hit SEND on this blog
• And TRUST and let go of fear and worry about me 

In appreciation for you all. Have a great fortnight! 
 
Maree xx