Confronting the Icebergs - Part I

I did my meditation for the day. Check. I studied passages from the two spiritual books that I'm reading. Check. Check. I took time during the day to stop the mayhem around me and center myself at least three times. Check. Check. Check.

I did everything right. So when I finish with my responsibilities for the day, why do I still feel so crappy? What is it that is making me feel uneasy, incomplete or overburdened? Why does it seem like I'm not finished with the work I have to do?

After asking myself these questions, it dawns on me that this might be a good time to pull out my dusty journal and to reflect, not just on what I did today, but on what I'm feeling now. I can always start with what I did or didn't accomplish, which is something very visible and concrete. That's the easy part. But if I want to move past uncomfortable, lingering concerns, I need to push through my actions and those of others to the feelings I'm experiencing. Some of my distress may be a direct result of the events of this day. Other stressors may be from previous challenges or unresolved situations from something much longer ago. Whatever they are, wherever they come from, it's important to identify them and to develop a way to deal with them. In most cases, the sooner the better.

I carve out some uninterrupted time for myself with my journal and I prepare for a deep self reflection or meditation. I use whatever tools might help me feel comfortable: music, meaningful crystals, a candle or incense. The point is to feel safe and relaxed while I recall the events of the day or the last few weeks, and of the unsettled worries that came with them.

How did I feel when I woke up this morning? Is my work or current commitment evoking a sense of dissatisfaction? Am I resentful that I'm giving my time to obligations I never wanted in the first place? When I can't seem to find the likely culprit causing my dis-ease, I let my intuition guide me. In my relaxed, meditative state, my instinct will carry me to one or more of the causes of my emotional discomfort. I take the time to write down my feelings as completely as I can, avoiding nothing, even though it may seem insignificant. Sometimes it's the little things that trigger more major memories in my mind and in my heart. Writing about our feelings, for some of us, is the first step to resolving them.

In next week's writing, we'll look at some of the impediments to dealing with our "iceberg" emotions and the dangers to our well-being of ignoring them.

Affirmation: I now set aside time to examine any unsettling feelings, letting my intuition guide me.

I now allow, acknowledge, accept and affirm that this is so.