In the pursuit of health, our focus is often on physical disease, leaving the invisible yet profound impact of emotional dis-ease unaddressed. This term, born from the prefix ‘dis’ attached to ‘ease,’ represents the myriad of internal struggles that plague many, such as dissatisfaction, disconnection, disharmony, and distrust. These afflictions drain our vitality and obscure our capacity for happiness. But how do we confront an adversary that eludes us, especially as caregivers?
My personal journey into the heart of emotional dis-ease began in my own adversity. Serving as a caregiver and then navigating widowhood has taught me invaluable lessons about vulnerability, forgiveness, acceptance, and the value of emotional pain in a life fully lived. Through these experiences, I have learned that happiness can coexist with emotional pain and suffering. Because of my training and interest in the internal realm, I sought to understand more fully what I had experienced.
I embarked on a quest to understand this inside job and these emotional ‘dis’s.’ This journey led me to identifying what I had sought within myself: acceptance, connection, compassion, and trust. These became the four pillars I have used for my own emotional healing and then thriving in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
For our upcoming journaling circle on March 16th, we will be more closely examining this path to emotional well-being and self-care through the process of reflective journaling. We will be further exploring the theme of vulnerability and how vulnerability is truly a sign of strength, not weakness.
Our theme this month will be the power of self-reflection and vulnerability.
- Inquiry: Explore the transformative potential of self-reflection by journaling about a recent challenge or experience and reflect upon the emotions that came up for you.
- Insight: Recognize that resistance to vulnerability may interfere with the validation of our emotional pain/suffering.
- Inspiration: Every emotional challenge is an opportunity to learn something important – it was pain and suffering that taught me the true meaning of vulnerability.
Affirmation:
Affirm your inherent worthiness of love and acceptance, particularly during times of adversity or overwhelm