From time-to-time, we all have feelings crop up that we would rather not to dwell on. Whether that’s worry, anxiety, anger, sadness, or just all-out negativity. However, it can be difficult to let these feelings go and move forward with a more positive outlook. Negative feelings are a part of living, and they occur for a reason. But they also have a tendency to linger longer than we prefer them to because choosing negativity can often be self-perpetuating and, sometimes easier than shifting into positivity. So, how can we accomplish this shift? Practice these six steps to get started.
1. Focus on the issue you want to feel better about.
This can be anything, big or small. Maybe somebody cut you off on your morning drive to the office and it’s been bothering you. Maybe you’re going through a stressful time in your personal life and you need a break from constantly feeling overwhelmed. Whatever the issue is, take a moment to focus on it completely.
2. Allow yourself to feel.
Whatever emotions crop up as a result of this issue, allow yourself to feel them. Take the feeling into your body by putting your hands on your body palm to body, wherever you feel it most. This will allow these feelings to expand throughout your body which will deepen your experience of what you are feeling
3. Ask yourself the following three questions. Remember that both yes and no are acceptable answers.
Am I willing to let this feeling go?
Am I willing to allow this feeling to be here?
Am I willing to welcome this feeling?
4. Now ask yourself:
If I am not willing to let go of this feeling?
Then ask:
Would I rather have this feeling, or would I rather be free from it?
If you’d rather have this feeling, explore how come you’re resistant to letting it go.
5. Ask yourself, “When will I be willing to let this go?”
This is an invitation to let the feeling go now.
6. Repeat.
Maybe now isn’t the time to let the feeling go. Repeat these steps until you feel comfortable and ready.
These steps are a start to acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself permission to feel them deeply, and then allowing yourself to let them go. You are fully in charge of how you respond to the feelings you have, and you always have choices on whether or not you want to let them go or keep them.