Getting Over Times of Distress

At times of distress, I find myself feeling both overwhelmingly sad and angry. My head tells me that I am powerless and unable to make change happen. My beginner's mind, a term I have written about many times and is referred to in Mindfulness teaching, is helpful in these moments as it allows me to acknowledge my feelings, however uncomfortable they are, and be open and curious about what they are telling me.

“My distress becomes less acute and more manageable as I feel that I am doing something constructive with my anger”

Rachel Podger

In time, and with patience and gentleness, I can soften towards the unhelpful thoughts that I attach to my feelings, and I can then come back into my heart and feel more self-compassionate and empowered. During these times, meditation is essential as it allows me time to focus inwards and enter into a loving space where I can connect with loving kindness towards myself and others. My distress becomes less acute and more manageable as I feel that I am doing something constructive with my anger; I am not reacting but responding to it by connecting with my heart and loving awareness and kindness and my sense of powerlessness eases.