When I first started doing yoga, I noticed I slowly became less reactive.
If something happened that would usually make me sad, angry or frustrated, instead of blowing up at the situation, I was able to find an inner calmness to process my emotions.
One of the most valuable tools for me has been Tonglen meditation. I learned Tonglen from one of my mentors, Kimber Simpkins in a yoga training. It is a Buddhist practice to lessen our reactivity and hold a space of compassion for ourselves, and all beings.
It goes like this:
Breathing in, I allow myself to feel exactly what I'm feeling.
Breathing out, spaciousness and compassion for myself.
Breathing in, I know I am not alone. I remember so many other beings have experienced and have felt what I am experiencing and feeling right now.
Breathing out, spaciousness and compassion for all those other beings.
This meditation helps me realize I am not alone in my reactions and emotions. It reminds me that actually so many other people have experienced this before, and instead of being caught up in my emotions, I can hold a space of compassion, knowing I am now experiencing something so many other beings have experienced before.
I created this guided meditation video for you to follow along and embody the practice. Click below to watch:
[av_video src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQy1iheyf8U' format='16-9' width='16' height='9']
And the next time you feel you're about to blow up in a difficult situation, try it. Let me know how it goes for you in the comments below.
Love, Meredith
PS. You can also view my other yoga and meditation videos here.
