Can joy and loss coexist?
The dry, brown, feathery stalks in this photo remind me of the dried up feeling of loss that sneaks up on me. Standing directly in front of the dry stalks, sunflowers pop up through the leafy green leaves.
I ask:
Have you no shame yellow-face-flowers? Can you not feel my brown mood?
They reply:
I have an idea. How about don’t pick on me and, instead, offer a few tips for our readers!
Three Steps to Honoring Your Feelings from the sunflowers….
- Feel the feelings and then let them pass through. Maybe set the timer, like the movie stars recommend, and have a cry for 20 minutes. Then get out in nature to remember that it is still good to be alive. Nature is great at reminding us about that fact.
- Listen to a sad song, if you’re not sure about what you are feeling. The song, Quiet Uptown, from the musical Hamilton, allows my “ouch” a voice.
- Here’s the heart of the lyrics…(play the song and then return to follow step one)
There are moments that the words don’t reach
There is a grace too powerful to name
We push away what we can never understand
We push away the unimaginableWhat other sad songs are your favorites?
Honor the pain and create space for joy.
4. Allow yourself to find joy once you’ve released some of the pain.
Rinse and Repeat
As Ellie, in the Disney movie “UP” says:
It’s not about forgetting, it’s about remembering with love. –Ellie
Be kind to yourself.
You’re doing the best you can in this moment.
Keep going.
