Managing Our Waves of Emotions to Become a Super Attractor
The String of Positive Energy
This is such an exciting time of year, the holidays are here, and they can bring up a lot of emotions. Everyone has different emotions associated with Christmas, some positive and some challenging or painful. Our bodies and minds store all of these emotional memories, and they can resurface in various ways, often unconsciously. Using tools such as breath, appreciation and gratitude can help us manage these waves of emotions.
I think about all my great memories as a kid and the intensity of feelings in these final days before Christmas. And even surges of excitement and happy memories can contribute to feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. This is why we can feel so drained this time of year, especially if we’re not aware this is happening.
Think of emotions like waves: they come and they go. I recently read that emotions show up and stay in our focus for 90 seconds before dissipating. They constantly resurface throughout our day and are the primary cause of distractions, usually from something in our environment, even if it’s positive. Can you think of instances where this has happened in the course of your day?
One way to manage emotions and stay on-track is to implement a 90-second rule of your own. If you are aware of the wave when it approaches, you can choose how to handle it. You can be patient, lean into your breath for 90 seconds, and observe how quickly you move through and the feeling subsides. This helps you retain your focus and flow with these expected waves.
We have the ability to rewire our minds and the way they think, with our intentions. I love focusing my awareness on this and feeling the power to view each day through the lens of Appreciation. Our point of focus is our point of attraction, which is why it’s so important to pay attention to what you’re thinking about; your thoughts create your world.
When embracing thoughts of appreciation and gratitude we feel good and attract more good things into our lives. Have you paused and paid attention to your waking thoughts recently? Morning is a great time to begin your day by saying “thank you” and feeling grateful for this new day you get to experience. This practice sets you up for increasing the abundance in your life!
Daniel Goleman’s new book, Why We Meditate, is a helpful tool you might also enjoy.
Moment of Introspection & Leadership:
Life can feel overwhelming during the holidays, in our work, our homes and relationships. We hustle and bustle around to make everything perfect for Christmas, and if we don’t stop and pause to appreciate all the wonderful things in our lives, we can feel more drained after the holidays.
I’d love to share an exercise for you to try that’s guaranteed to bring good-feeling energy into your holidays.
The String or Bracelet of Positive Energy:
Find three separate pieces of string or beaded bracelets and think about three people in your life that you appreciate and for whom you’re grateful. Write down three of their greatest qualities that have made a difference in your life, and gift them the string or bracelet with a card describing these qualities. As you write the cards and give to each person, pay attention to the energy you feel. This practice is a positive reminder that good feelings come from good thoughts and are available to you at any time.
Suggest that they wear the bracelet as a constant reminder of the positive impact they make in others’ lives. This is a gift that will hold significance for them and for you, and will inspire them to pass along to others!
“A disciplined mind brings happiness.”
— Buddha
REFLECTIVE & DISCOVERY QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHTS & JOURNALING
What is your relationship with appreciation of self and others?
How do you express and show appreciation for the people and places you care about the most?
FOR YOUR TEAM DAILY HUDDLE
What part of our team do you appreciate the most?