Drama, drama, drama

I've found myself getting caught up in my emotional drama lately. It's all self-generated. No situation or circumstance outside of me created it. So while it might be easy to point the finger at my busy schedule, my shifting priorities, or some major changes on the horizon, I know better than to fuel the fire by casting blame, either outward or inward.

The sense of urgency, upset, and confusion is all mine and I'm owning it. I can actually relax into my own upset when it appears. By accepting whatever experience I am having, whether pleasant and loving or not, the experience itself is transformed by the quality of "okayness" that I bring to it. I've been amazed by how well this simple shift works.

Muck and mire

So I've been wading around in some muck that I created for myself... So what? Does that mean I have dominion over it more than if I were the victim? No, not really. My experience is my experience is my experience. Taking ownership of my feelings is a powerful start, but it still remains important to allow feelings to be as they are.

Ever notice how emotions can feel like the "end-all and the be-all" when we are in them? Then a few years, a few months, even a few minutes later, they vanish like clouds disintegrating in the sun. I don't know about you, but that's how mine operate.

So what do we do with clouds when they show up? How do we relate to them? Do I stick out my tongue to catch the rain drops? Do I put on my hiking shoes and hunt rainbows? Do I build a fire inside and trust that the warmth of self loving kindness will sustain me through the storm? Or do I listen to the rain, allowing soothing words to whisper subtle messages in my ears?

When faced with clouds

Here is a sample from my current checklist for reestablishing peace within. I keep the complete list with me everywhere I go because I know that when I need it most I'm least likely to remember these strategies. This really is just a small sample that's relevant now. I encourage everyone in creating their own personal list of what reconnects you to your heart.

• Move the body, move the emotions - yoga
  
• Visualize the big picture
  
• Deep breathing
  
• Be here now
  
• Accessing intuition
  
• Accept and honor the drama
  
• See the situation as a comedy
  
• Compassion for "the victim" within

I'll leave you with some words of wisdom about the true nature of the Soul, the part of us that doesn't get caught up in the sound and fury.

Joy is inherent through the Soul.

When you have joy - when this happiness just comes up inside of you - then no matter what you do or say or become out there, this center of calm and happiness is not disturbed because it is what it is.

Therein is your fulfillment for being on this physical level.
- John-Roger