Dear Readers,
Usually Monday mornings are my quiet time for reflection and blogging. However, this Monday morning felt different. I spent some hours reflecting on themes that have continuously arisen over the past few weeks. I notice that mental health has been a hot subject, as has how to stay healthy during such unprecedented times.
I’m glad that these topics are being discussed. I’m also curious about what I’ve noticed. How interesting it is to think about our emotions rather than feel them. It’s more comfortable, to an extent. Those emotions become thoughts. We aren’t feeling them; we are rather thinking them, analyzing them.
To feel, we must slow down rather than continuously plow forward. Feelings are frightening at times of uncertainty, I agree. Yet, our feelings are often our greatest motivators when we slow down and feel, and I mean really feel them. I’m not suggesting that one feels their way into their next emotional breakdown, no no no. I am however, asking you to slow down, to take a breath, to notice the feedback that you’re getting from your body and to honour it, rather than think your way out of it.
Our bodies speak to us. For me, a knot may show up in my stomach when I feel worried or upset. For you, you may get a tense jaw or a heaviness that sits on your chest. When I’m happy, an energy springs through my body that excites me, for others, tensing might feel more open, postural changes may occur without consciousness. Noticing these sensations and how they connect to our emotions influence our thoughts and behaviour.
If we allow our curiosity to play, we offer ourselves a chance to be more genuine in our presence, and to move forward in a more intentional way. This is not what we are often taught. Instead, we learn to move forward despite our internal states, ignoring them until they show up as unwanted visitors at our door with some serious emotional and physical revenge in mind. I personally prefer to skip that tea date.
The reason I write this little letter is because right now, history is being written. I don’t suggest that you cry all day, self-induce a panic attack, or go into a maniacal state. I do however suggest that you take a few minutes a day to check in with yourself. To ask yourself how you feel emotionally and physically with a genuine interest. Perhaps if you notice a sense of sadness, you can be more kind to yourself that day. If you notice motivation, then set an intention that matches your drive.
Feelings are single words. They are not sentences. If you are feeling in sentences, you are in fact thinking. Our moods and behaviours are a combination of so much more than just thoughts. To be mentally and emotionally present, we must be able to be open and curious and find a sense of balance between pausing in a moment and plowing through it. My hope is that something here resonates with you or someone that you know. My hope is that you take a few moments a day to check in with yourself and that you are able to find a little bit of peace with all that is happening outside.
That’s all for now. Stay safe and healthy.
All my best,
Megan x
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