Chinese medical theory has always recognized the emotions as a source of illness or dis-ease. Stagnation results when any of the emotions do not process smoothly through the psyche and get stuck in the body. The body’s normal functioning falters, and stagnates physical symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue show up; these symptoms created the sensation of being wired and tired which further increase the emotional turmoil.
When this disfunction, sometimes called disharmony, becomes to much to bear people find me. However since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and since any day can can turn into an emotional marathon, it is wise to have at-home techniques up your sleeve.
Breathing exercises, light exercise or walking can help break the stagnation in the body caused by traffic, stress, disappointment or emotional shock. But sometimes your Mind will just insist on eating you alive and then what.
Start a Gratitude practice: start small maybe 15 minutes a day. You can do it anywhere but if you can do it while taking a walk great! Take control of where you focus your attention and willfully focus on the people and things for which you are GRATEFUL. If you can’t think of anything consider the eyes that you are using to read this and think of the beautiful things they allow you to behold.
As you recall the beauty of a sunset, a mountain view, the face of a loved one, even a loved one no longer with you, you can be grateful for those moments in time and that you have the mental capacity to recall and celebrate them.
As you continue to reflect get smaller and closer to home – gratitude for the fuchsia colored flowers that grow in the garden brightening the landscape.
Give thanks for that musician who wrote that song; you know the one that makes you want to do cartwheels every time you hear it.
And think of the people, mother, brother, or friend, who always knows the right thing to say. Remember the times you were funny or clever enough to get out of trouble and be thankful for your good qualities. Be grateful for pizza and fireflies and warm summer nights with a slight breeze.
When your Mind tries to drag you back down your miserable list of woes and wrong-doings. And it will. Take a stand. Even in the midst of your despair you can make a choice – You Can Choose Joy!
Because when you choose to focus on gratitude even when you have every good reason to be miserable – it is a soul affirming powerful intent. That powerful choice is epic because Gratitude is the Gateway to Joy.
Try it. Once you have a handle on a Gratitude Practice push the envelope – Choose Joy.
Choose Joy? How? Say it out loud right now, “I choose Joy” notice if it is difficult to say. Then say it again.
Watch if it comes easier – something deep within you will respond to your honest intent. Say it a few more times and see if it begins to sound a little defiant, nobel, or courageous. Say it and pay close attention to what happens in your chest when you do.
Sincerely focusing on the people, events,or things for which you are grateful opens and expands the energy around the heart. Activity choosing Joy lifts your heart and fills it with Spirit or some would say Grace.
Gratitude is an emotion it has a basis in reality but Joy like Courage exists at times and places when it should not logically be present. Joy connects you to Grace and to your Highest Self.
You can feel it . . .and this movement of Qi and Spirit in your chest. We all can. When you feel this you very well may cry. But tears of Gratitude and Joy are the most healing type of water.
If you are moved to tears when practicing gratitude to not analysis or judge them just remember the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers”