The following is written by a guest blogger. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of Bob Lacey, Sheri Lynch or the Bob & Sheri show.
The feeling is very real. It’s a sensation that at times sweeps over you out of nowhere while at other times it can feel like a heavy blanket is slowly being lowered down over your chest until it is so heavy – you struggle to breathe.
When this physical reaction occurs, it is not unusual for the analytical brain to go into overdrive to understand what is happening. Emotionally, you may feel completely despondent, sad and lonely and so you wonder – am I depressed? Is this what depression feels like?
Like a small change in the wind can set off an avalanche, your thoughts trigger a natural human psychological reactive response. Your brain begins to decipher your physical sensations and once you give merit to the downward spiraling emotions – you naturally begin an inner narrative of doubt and negative self-talk.
“I’m so depressed . . .” “I feel so lost and lonely . . .” “I’m all alone and no one really cares . . .” “I am worthless . . . a loser . . . etc.”
If we allow these thoughts to behave like a runaway train, we can suddenly find ourselves in a deep dark tunnel without a clear view of the light at the end.
Again, the feelings you are having are real. But it is what you do with your mind in these moments that sets the course for your future destination.
Hit the pause button on your emotions and ask yourself a few questions.
Where are my thoughts leading me? Do I really want to go there? Why am I feeling this way in the first place? Does everything in my life really suck right now?
What would happen if you chose to throw the switch and change tracks to a different way of thinking . . . a different perspective which may not line up with your current feelings but would better serve you?
Bravo! Go for it. This would be you taking charge of your own life – putting on your conductor’s hat and deciding that a deep, dark tunnel filled with anxiety, fear and depression is not on your itinerary for today . . . or any day for that matter. Acknowledge your feelings and then put them in their place. Shift your perspective by saying out loud what you do have right now in your life that makes you happy, brings you a little joy and makes you “feel” happy. Let that ruminate for a while. Then maybe try a second gratitude and a third. That should get you well on your way down the road, clear of emotional speed bumps and on the path to a lighter day – physically, mentally and spiritually. And that is even more real than the heavy feelings which triggered the journey in the first place.
The Zen Den
Hello and welcome to The Zen Den. My name is Alison and while I am passionate about many things, my most inspiring driving force is human connection. Blogger, content writer, orthopedic exercise specialist, motivational speaker, international yoga pro, published songwriter, avid poker player, mom and wife are just a few of my titles. But when I do my job at NASA, I am known simply as “The Fairy Zenmother” a role I deeply love because people invite me into their space to help them find their center, relax and stretch their muscles and destress their mind. Here in the blogosphere version of The Zen Den, I invite you into my world where I will explore ideas for creating a better tomorrow and a kinder today. And hopefully, with insight, authenticity and humor; my words, observations and experiences will help you feel calm, centered, intellectually challenged and spiritually enlightened. Alternatively, if you have something you would like to see covered in The Zen Den, just let me know. Your feedback is welcome and valuable to the success of this blog. Finally, my heart is filled with gratitude to have this opportunity to share with all of you.
