I’m sad.
Sadness
I've been immersed in a sea of emotions, navigating the waves of sadness for about a week now as I pen down this blog.
In the midst of one of the most challenging experiences I've faced in a while, I find myself on the verge of tears, reflecting on the elusive connection I had hoped to manifest. Moments slip away as I ponder what could have been and why it diverged from the vision in my mind. Balancing the demands of my business, especially promoting the Beginners Yoga Course, has become a Herculean task, and a genuine smile has eluded me throughout this week.
After a day that started with bidding farewell to a dear friend's mother at a somber funeral and then accompanying my own mother to the hospital for a procedure, I poured out my feelings on social media. By the time I reached the sanctuary of home that evening, I felt a deep sense of depletion and deflation.
A thought whispered to share non-smiling photos on social media, captioned with a simple "I'm sad." What ensued was quite intriguing. Friends flooded in with calls, texts, and messages, all echoing the well-meaning chorus of "Don't be sad" or offering solutions to fix what ailed me.
Yet, here's the wisdom I've come to embrace — it's okay to be sad. It's a human emotion, a gentle rain that nourishes the soul. And much like nature, sometimes it unfolds at its own pace, refusing to be hurried. It’s an adjustment to changes in one’s life.
Breaking it down to the basics, sadness is like a gentle rain of sorrow, a feeling that paints the heart with shades of unhappiness. The key here is that it's a feeling, a passing cloud in the emotional sky.
It's crucial to distinguish it from the more persistent weather pattern of depression. Depression, often associated with a mood disorder, is like a lingering storm, affecting the overall climate of one's mental landscape.
Ah, the cosmic synchronicity of wisdom! My cousin, Janet, delivered a digital bouquet in the form of a link to Oprah's Super Soul podcast. Dr. Anita Phillips, a trauma therapist and life coach, illuminated the landscape of feelings and thoughts.
In her melodic explanation, she painted sadness as a yearning for connection, a dance between the heart and unfulfilled hopes. When those expectations meet the unexpected, we feel the gentle rain of sadness, a nourishing shower that touches the garden of our emotions.
As I dive into the contemplative pool of sadness, I discern a dance with disconnection echoing through various realms:
Relational Ripples - A yearning to harmonize with someone, be it in friendship, romance, or family ties. Yet, the notes don't align, creating a poignant melody of unmet desires. Relationships, whether severed by death, divorce, or abandonment, leave echoes of the connection we hoped for.
Occupational Odyssey - A hopeful journey through the professional landscape, seeking a new position or a step up the career ladder. Yet, despite the interviews, inquiries, and dedicated duties, the coveted promotion or job offer remains elusive. It's the occupational waltz where the steps don't lead to the desired destination.
Business Ballet - A choreography of aspirations in the business realm, envisioning vibrant connections with clients for events or services. However, the engagement numbers become a different dance altogether, not in tune with the planned symphony. It's a business ballad where the expected turnout takes an unexpected turn.
In this intricate dance of life, the common thread is the ache of unfulfilled connection, each twirl and pirouette resonating with the pangs of expectation. Yet, amidst the dance, there's an opportunity for a new rhythm to emerge.
Navigating sadness becomes a journey of connection, whether it's in the relational sea, the career currents, or the business waves. The connection may shift, but there's always a new horizon.
How heartwarming it is to feel the embrace of gratitude blooming in the garden of shared emotions! It's like your vulnerability became a permission slip, granting others the freedom to authentically explore the landscape of their feelings.
Now, let's sprinkle in some sunshine tips to illuminate the path:
Gratitude as your compass: Share it daily, and let it be the North Star guiding you through the clouds.
Harbor in supportive havens: Connect with friends who can weather the storm with you.
Conversations with the universe: Pray, listen, meditate. Sometimes, the best advice comes from the cosmic whispers.
Dance in the rain of movement: Whether it's yoga or a simple stroll, let your body sway to the rhythm of healing.
Ink the journey: Free-write in a journal, creating a diary of your emotions, a map of your heart.
Literary lanterns: Read books that illuminate new perspectives, shedding light on the path forward.
Laughter as medicine: Watch something funny; let the giggles be the rays that pierce the clouds.
Melodies of the heart: Tune in to music that lifts your spirits, a melody that becomes your anchor.
And for those seeking a port in the storm, your Awakened Woman community is a lighthouse, a beacon of connection.
