Feelings. Nothing more than feelings...
I’m sure you know this already: life is not about feeling positive all the time. Life is about feeling. All the feels. Life is about learning to feel them all and make it through to the other side.
So, feeling less than positive these days, is perfectly okay. If you’re struggling and feeling overwhelmed remember that feelings are temporary.
Like summer storms.
When it rains, what do you reach for? An umbrella, perhaps? In this case when it rains, an umbrella is a valuable resource that makes the situation a little more endurable.
During times like these when you are challenged with too many priorities, worry, and anxiety, what resources do you reach for?
I reach for guided imagery to help me sleep, affirmations to make my intentions feel more solid, and actual visual imagery in the form of other people’s beautiful photography.
What are you telling yourself?
Powerful, Positive Affirmations*
I shared some affirmations last fall before the holidays (another stressful time for some). Here are some more as we wait out this storm.
Start your morning off right (and continue as needed throughout the day)
Obstacles are now falling away easily.
I am at peace with what is happening.
Today is a clean slate.
I greet the day with joy and gratitude.
Something wonderful will happen today.
When feelings of overwhelm wash over you
One task at a time is enough.
I am doing the best I can
I draw on the support that surrounds me, in whatever form.
I don’t worry about other people’s acceptance or opinions.
The right decisions are coming to me easily now.
Working on forgiveness
I make peace (inside) with anyone who has done wrong.
I am worthy of all the compassion and kindness in the world.
Forgiveness is a gift to myself.
Forgiveness gives me a fresh start and a clean slate.
Finding serenity
I am safe; all is well.
My mind is still and smooth, like a lake at dawn.
Inside me lies a great reservoir of calmness.
All I need to do right now is breathe.
Managing stress
I am flexible like a willow, bending but not breaking.
Let’s look at the facts.
Nothing is permanent, so I may as well loosen my grip a little.
I release all fear.
I trust the universe is looking out for my higher good.
Peace at the end of the day
Today, I did my best. And tomorrow is another day.
Today, I became a little bit wiser. Thank you.
Tonight, I will sleep well and wake up refreshed tomorrow.
I let go of any worries or concerns and give them to Spirit.
*Source: Spirituality & Health magazine (free download “The Book of Affirmations”)
Hopefully you’ll find something helpful there. I can hear what you’re saying – but how do I remember this when I really need to hear these words?
- Write it on a sticky note, take a picture with your phone – make it your lock screen.
- Put that sticky note where you can see it throughout the day.
- Make a voice recording on your phone, listen to your own voice when you need to hear it.
Some additional rain gear
Some of my other favorite resources include these apps I can keep handy on my phone:
Insight Timer
Honestly, I’m not sure I could fall asleep anymore without listening to one of the many free sleep-inducing guided meditations – and there are many to choose from. More often than not (like 99%!) I am asleep before the end of the meditation; and some are as short as 19 minutes!
This app isn’t just for sleep, it also supplies you with many guided imagery sessions to assist with recovery and healing, stress and anxiety, performance, health and happiness, relationships, and there’s a section for kids, too!
Insight Timer is a great way to practice and log your meditation. The comprehensive progress and log tracker keeps details of everything. For example, while my best streak was 87 days, I’m currently at 24 consecutive days – and in the past 14 days, I’ve meditated freestyle (on my own) or with guided imagery for a total of 12 hours and 48 minutes! (It still counts even if I fall asleep!)
You can choose background music, bells and set a timer. Only have 3 minutes? Set the timer for 3 minutes and there you go! You can even set it to thank yourself for meditating when you’re finished with a session!
The app boasts that it provides 40,000 free meditations! Learn from some of the best well-known meditation teachers including Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, KristinNeff, and the late Ram Dass (there are more than 500 to choose from – someone must suit your style!)
Some classes are not free, but I have no problem finding any type of meditation that I need. Download from the web (enter your phone number to get an SMS link to download) or from your favorite app store.
Steller Stories – Escape to visual beauty
For visually stunning photographs, check out the Steller app or like and follow on Facebook. Follow Steller Stories. According to the Facebook page “Steller is the app where the world tells incredible visual stories.” Amazing photos told with a story. See pictures, read poetry or narrative
Many stories told are travel related. Explore these samples
Polar Night
Street Art
Lucca
You can view Steller Stories on the web or download from the App Store or Google Play.
That’s all for now. I do hope that you are finding ways to manage stress and anxiety and overwhelm. I still have times available for a Calm Coaching session if you just want to be heard, receive distance Reiki, or perhaps you want to listen to a 15 minute guided visualization? Can I call myself?! Because I would love that!
In case you’ve had the song “Feelings” running through your head while reading this, here’s my final gift to you: A one hit wonder: Morris Albert with Feelings #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. Hey! It’s peaceful and soothing, just enjoy it! 🙂
Take care. If there’s a topic you’d like me to write about, please do reach out and share.
P.S. I only report on apps that I love because I love them; I don’t get a single penny for my thoughts here!
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Until next time, here’s to a Healthy, Happy You!
Tracy
