Amy on Emotions
Life is short.
Life is precious.
Let go!
Let go of the past and focus on today, this moment, right now.
Stay in the present moment.
Just be.
For times when I’m faced with challenging life situations, a mentor of mine taught me the art of what it truly means to surrender.
She said to me, ‘Amy, you can’t control people, places or things.’
Once I became mindful of this and started to practise surrendering to situations I couldn’t control in my everyday life, it was truly profound.
It had a life-changing effect on my life for the better.
By practising surrender, so much weight was lifted from my shoulders.
HOW TO PRACTISE THE ART OF SURRENDER
In times of need and despair, I get down on my knees and pray. It doesn’t have to be a religious act. You may be spiritual or you may pray to a divine goddess. Whatever works for you!
Take a few deep breaths and hand it over.
As an example of what needs to be surrendered, let me just say this…
You can’t make someone love you.
If they don’t reciprocate love back to you, or treat you with respect, what’s the use in trying to force it? That is only a route to loss of self-respect and seeming desperate.
Surrender. Hand it over.
Rather than looking at yourself and blaming yourself for why this person may not love you, just let go. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.
I love the song Let It Be by John Lennon. I recommend listening somewhere quiet and truly tuning in to the soulful music and words.
Take a few deep breaths in and out. Surrender. Why waste your time and energy on someone who can’t give you want you want? Focus on giving love to someone who reciprocates what you give.
HOW TO PRACTISE EMOTIONAL RELEASE
For me, journaling is an act of meditation and emotional release. As soon as I put pen to paper, I’m calm, clear and focused. It’s like one massive brain dump.
Anything I have going on in my life - the good, the bad or the ugly - I write about it to get clear on the answer I need to know or to release anything that no longer serves me.
You don’t have to be a great writer to journal. Think of your journal as your personal inventory- your self-check-in to release anger, frustration or share your positive life experiences such as what you love, what brings you joy and what you are grateful for.
Journals can be anything you want them to be! I have a few. One is a massive art book where I write and draw, playing with a kaleidoscope of pens, pencils and sometimes even watercolour paint.
You can purchase a journal anywhere from Officeworks or a Post Office, to a specialist art and craft shop. Why not be creative and make your own, and paint or draw on the cover? Every time you reach for your journal, you’ll be inspired to write and get your thoughts onto paper. You could even turn positive thoughts into reality and use the journal to start planning and making lists.
I love to journal after a body ritual. Just like a yoga class where you get in and out of different poses, blocked emotions can be released and come to the surface when you start journaling. You can release held-back emotions such as tears of sadness or joy. By performing body rituals first, you will be more in tune with your body.
This practice is a beautiful self-discovery through self-touch and personal intimacy. When you truly focus inwards and can reflect on your practice, you may discover that you were holding onto negative self-beliefs. And you can let go of those feelings of anger and shame.
All sorts of emotions and feelings may arise. This is why it’s so very important when you are feeling vulnerable to put pen to paper to gain clarity and surrender into the process without judgment.
Give yourself even more self-compassion than usual and be kind to yourself.
Let go and sit with your feelings for a while.
And if you need someone to talk to about anything, remember there is always support. Connect to other like-minded and supportive people, or see a professional.
THIS IS HOW WE SHIFT, GROW AND MOVE FORWARD.
Forgive.
Let go of the past.
If you still find you have too much to cope with emotionally, look to the resources below.
HOW TO PRACTISE GRATITUDE
Last of all, appreciate what you have in your life right now.
It maybe your health, your amazing body and what it does for you, the roof over your head, the fresh food you eat, the clean water you drink and wash in, or your friends and family. Or all of these!
When life throws a curve ball at me, one way I deal with the intensity is to be truly thankful for what I have in my life.
I focus on what I do have RIGHT NOW, not what I don’t have.
Write a list of what you are grateful for.
When you’re feeling down, look at this as a positive reminder of all that you can appreciate.
RESOURCES
Below are some helplines and website links to turn to if you are experiencing a difficult time with your emotions or any mental health issues. Please make sure you turn to professional help if you need it.
+ Life Line
13 11 44 www.lifeline .org.au
+ Sane Australia
1800 18 7263 www.sane.org
+ Reach Out
+ R U OK?
+ Mental Health Online
+ Headspace