Are you mindful of your emotions?

Do you recognize those things that trigger your emotions?

Are you able to handle those emotions in a supportive way?

Take a few minutes to ask yourself those questions and answer them honestly. Recognize whether you are often aware of the external stimuli that triggers certain emotions within you and if you are able to work through them in a healthy way as opposed to avoiding them.

This quote by Amit Ray is important because our emotions are our guidance system. They are there to help us, not hinder us. Yet how many times have you heard someone or maybe even yourself described as too “emotional”? The funny thing about that though is that we all have the same emotions. Yes, everyone handles various emotions differently. However, to not experience emotion would not be human.

When it comes to our emotions, it’s important to hone in on is what is causing that emotion and embracing it as opposed to trying to push it away. It’s about developing an awareness of what you are experiencing and being able to work through that emotion in a supportive way rather than a destructive way.

This is especially true when it comes to emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness. Often described as the negative emotions, anger, fear, and sadness, are just as important to recognize, understand, and embrace as their perceived positive counterparts, happiness, joy, and contentment. However, most of us don’t want to deal with those perceived negative emotions and would prefer to push them away.

When you can become more mindful of your experience your relationship with your emotions will improve, which, in turn, improves your overall relationship with yourself and others. Emotions are designed to tell you something, to help you, to guide you.

For example, if you are experiencing anger, what is the external stimulus triggering it? What needs to change or improve in order for that emotion to pass?

However, how often do you ask yourself those questions, if ever?

What typically happens for most people is they experience that anger and instead of understanding what is sparking it? They lash out at the things and people around us never taking time to look within his or herself. I think you’d agree that scenario usually ends up making matters worse.

Here’s how to get started becoming more mindful in your relationship with emotion.

The first thing to do is breathe!

Ask yourself the following questions:

What is causing the emotion? No matter what you are experiencing, what is the cause?

What needs to change or improve for that emotion to dissipate in a healthy manner versus a destructive one?

What can I learn about my external environment and myself in this moment?

Start improving your emotional mindfulness in order to improve your relationship you’re yourself and with others.

Now it’s your turn.

How does this quote inspire you?

Tell me about an experience where you allowed your emotions to get the best of you.

Were you able to work through them in a positive, supportive way or did irrationality make the situation worse? What were you able to learn from the situation? How can you be more mindful the next time?

Contact me or share your thoughts below in the Comments section.

Let’s get the discussion going.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together we can become stronger individuals.

Educate. Engage. Evolve.