It takes about 90 seconds to experience an emotion.
Anything after that is ruminating. This is the difference between suffering and optional suffering.
The mind gets busy. We choose to tell the stress story to everyone we know. Each time we relive the situation we put ourselves into a state of fight-or-flight.
Mindfulness will help you surf a wave of emotion. Notice it coming. Tune into your breathing. Feel the swell. Get on your surfboard. Ride the wave to shore.
Try to be with an emotion with compassion or at least without judging it. You may have feelings about your feelings. You may feel some are acceptable while others are not.
All feelings are okay and deserve to be honored. At times we may need help unpacking them. This is where a skillful therapist comes in.
May you ride the waves with grace and ease.
