Face Your Feelings!

You know when something really bothers you or really hurts you? You get to the point where the anxiety builds up, your heart rate increases, and the tears form in your eyes? I hate those moments. However, I am no stranger to them. Most of us go through those moments, and nine out of ten times it has to do with other people.

But you know what most people do? They try to do something else to get it off their minds. But the truth is, it is ALWAYS on your mind. Even when you choose to ignore it, or not to address it, it is there. And when you leave it be, it lingers and dwells on its own and then you have it grow into something else.

You cannot run away from your feelings. Most people try, but are unsuccessful. And those who say they can are lying to themselves. You need to be able to get it out of your mind and either get some closure, a solution, or face the feelings so they are not there any more. Once confronted, you can at least function properly. When you don't you confront them, it prevents you from performing anything correctly. You make mistakes, you accidentally do thing wrong, because it's wasted energy that was not channeled.

One drill taught to me by my master was to get a pad of paper and just write out your thoughts. You keep writing until there is nothing left to rite, when you completely have no words coming to you. The phrase he used to use was from one of the greatest martial arts books called Zen in the Martial Arts by Peter Hyams. The phrase was EMPTY YOU R CUP!

The cup represents your mind. The liquid in the cup are your thoughts, doubts, distractions. If a cup is full and you keep putting into the cup, it overflows. That is the same with our minds. Once we are able to empty the cup, can we put what we want into it.

When you have strong feelings that are beyond bothering you, don't hide from them. FACE THEM! Do this drill, clear your mind, then move forward to the next step of functioning.

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO