(November 25, 2016 at 2:09 am)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: Astra, when I have emotions pressing me close into the corner, I focus on mindfulness and serenity...
...Mindfulness, to my understanding, is knowing that my emotions are not myself. I can have unpleasant or unsettling emotions, and for me the trick is to not become too attached to any one emotion -- to experience it, but not to be it.
I'm a big fan of mindfulness, too, although I don't always set aside the time to practice it in a coherent manner. The problem right now is not that I'm feeling too many emotions, but paradoxically feeling too little.
"My emotions are not myself" is a very useful sentiment. I think that's something I can use to deal with stuff in general, not just emotions.
Quote:The only thing I'd add to that is including some "me" time -- carve out a little of your schedule simply to do what you like to do, be it nothing, a hobby, some hiking, whatever. That's what works for me. No doubt your mileage will vary, and I'm sorry if this is not very helpful.
Me time seems to be under control, thankfully. I love the community band work that I do, and also make a point of stopping off somewhere either before or after practice just to sit and enjoy a coffee. If I could cultivate a similar passion for fitness activities, that would be great. I think a regular exercise group might be what I need, to meet new people and have a firm time commitment.
Saw the doctor about the sore foot today. Fortunately, nothing major is wrong; a bone spur and a bit of arthritis, but no broken bones. More physio should be able to fix it up.