Are you feeling kind of stuck? A lot of people are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of change that is taking place in the world. As more and more change occurs, and the rate of change accelerates, it can feel quite daunting. Enough already, right? And each piece of news or famous tweet leaves an emotional residue. It’s exhausting. After a while it builds up to the point that we feel full to the brim with negativity. And we don’t even feel like ourselves anymore.
That’s when you know it’s time to start “Emptying Out.” Yes, setting aside specific time to Empty Out is practically Un-American. Our entire society is geared toward having more and more experiences. Down time is highly under-valued. And yet, it is very necessary. So, consult the calendar and find a date and time to Empty Out. Once identified, that time must guarded and protected.
Emptying Out can take many different forms. it might be talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal, doing yoga, or taking a retreat – anything where you are able to release whatever you have been holding. Notice that none of the activities mentioned are distractions. Distractions are okay occasionally, but afterward the internal junk is still there. And if you have a lot to process, high-intensity distractions and stimulation might not be what is called for. The point is to release and make space, not add more to process.
It’s also helpful to have a conscious intention to release, but it’s not absolutely necessary. When emptying out we want to be aware of each feeling as it arises. Instead of pushing the feeling away, we want to experience it and allow it to be exactly as it is. As you allow your feelings to be, they may only last a short time and then disappear. You may not even have to try to let them go. Just by showing up, allowing, and being present, whatever you’ve been holding onto may disappear on its own.
Cleaning out internal clutter is a natural process. If you find that the feelings do not disappear on their own, or that you are becoming overwhelmed by the feelings, you may want to talk with a counselor or therapist who may be able to guide you through it. But, if done regularly, emptying out will feel natural and easy. As life becomes more complicated it’s a good idea to establish a regular routine or practice of Emptying Out. When you make Emptying Out a priority and release negative emotions and residue on a continuous basis, you will find that you have more time and energy for all your other commitments and that you are able to handle life’s challenges with grace and ease.
What are your thoughts on Emptying Out? Leave a comment below.
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