Queen's Joy
MEDITATION AND THE SHADOW
Rapid Emotional Release process. As a teacher of Meditation and Mindfulness, I have often been surprised how some of the simplest techniques can be life altering. It was during my time working with a woman who had obsessive thoughts of her ex-partner. She was unable to go through the day without hoping that she would receive a call from her ex - knowing full well they would never return. This longing became a craving which she could not control, gradually tearing down her self-esteem. Through employing the use of the Mindful Emotion process, I was able to assist in creating a space between her and her thoughts. This helped her to manage her emotions easier. She was able to see when her obsessive thinking would arise and know how to neutralise it. The ability to recognise that you are not your thoughts but the observer of them creates great freedom!
BY ADAM BALDWIN
Mindfulness and Meditation has come under a lot of scientific scrutiny over the past 4 decades. Over3,500 peer assessed papers have praised its effectiveness. Large corporations and celebrities have adopted it into their lives (some even accrediting Meditation as the source of their success). Do you sometimes find yourself ruminating about past hurts? You're thinking about that argument at work. it is 1.30 in the morning and you are still thinking about it?
It starts with Acceptance of the shadow To approach an issue positively is to first acknowledge it. It is ok to say ' I am hurting'. Accept the pain. Accepting it creates new ground for a new relationship with it. As opposed to struggling with it and fighting it (creating further inner conflict), acceptance opens space to handle this problem with greater creativity!
Have you ever wished there was a way you could clear your mind of it? Dwelling on negative emotions can make you lose sleep, cause restlessness and increase frustration. It eats up massive amounts of your time and it is in fact impossible to be happy whilst dwelling on past pains.
Acceptance disrupts the pattern of hurt by saying 'I'm going to look at this in a different light'. Taking an observer's stance as opposed to a participant's role. Treat it not as an oppressor but as something to study.
If left unchecked it can lead to loss of confidence, self-worth and in extreme cases depression. This can have a knock-on effect in all aspects of your life.
The shadow aspect of our lives is unavoidable. The hint is in the name ‘shadow’. Where you go it follows. Never deny the dark as it will find expression through other means. The fear of facing it can cause us to run into narrow positive psychology. Putting a brave face on, running from it, drinking
There is however a practical way you can stop this issue. It is easy, effective and if done regularly can maintain a better balance in your life. I call it the 20
