Have you ever been caught in a rainstorm? Living in the Netherlands, I’ve often experienced rainy days. Sometimes, just as rainy days in the Netherlands, our emotion can be a gentle drizzle that barely registers, while other times it’s a torrential downpour that leaves me drenched and shivering. But no matter how hard it rains, I’ve learned that there’s always a way to weather the storm.
In many ways, when we’re faced with an emotional storm, it’s natural to want to seek to avoid the discomfort. Is “emotional suppression” similar to “staying present” in the context of mindfulness? Let’s explore this question further.
Imagine your emotions as a storm. When we suppress our emotions, it’s like trying to cover our eyes to avoid seeing the rain or attempting to stop the rain altogether. This approach leads to inner tension and turmoil, as we constantly battle against our own feelings, fearing their impact on us. On the other hand, staying present in the context of mindfulness is akin to finding a shelter when we see the rain. It’s about allowing the storm of emotions to run its course, while we patiently wait for the rain to subside before continuing on our journey.
The two fundamental difference lies in the 1. Attitude and 2. Purpose we adopt towards our emotions.
- Attitude difference: Emotional suppression involves actively ignoring or fighting against emotions, often due to fear or discomfort. In contrast, staying present involves a non-judgmental attitude, allowing emotions to be experienced without resistance. This non-judgmental approach helps individuals to accept their emotions as they are, without trying to change or suppress them.
- Purpose difference: Emotional suppression aims to eliminate or minimize emotions, which can lead to tension and discomfort. Staying present, on the other hand, aims to observe emotions without judgment, allowing them to come and go naturally. The goal is not to get rid of emotions but to be patient and mindful of their presence, which can help individuals to better understand and manage their emotions.
Therefore, practicing mindfulness and staying present doesn’t mean that we deny or ignore our emotions. It’s about acknowledging them, accepting them as they are, and allowing them to flow through us without resistance. By doing so, we develop a deeper understanding of our emotional landscape and cultivate the resilience to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
In the journey of life, storms of emotions will come and go. By staying present, we can learn to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, knowing that our emotional storms will eventually pass. So, the next time you find yourself amidst an emotional downpour, remember that staying present is about finding your shelter and patiently waiting for the storm to pass.
Therefore, at the heart of facing emotional storms, staying present isn’t about ignoring emotions—it’s about accepting them. Discover more about Emotion Journaling: Observing Emotions with our exclusive resource (see the figure below)! You can get this exercise in PDF by Download Here. Confidence in your ability to navigate life’s ups and downs awaits. Keep learning, growing, and thriving!
