A few days ago, multiple snags attacked my beautifully cast fishing lines. Debris seemed like the only thing interested in accomplishing my week’s goals. Maybe it was the cold-grey rains of Seattle, or the weight of deadlines combined with endless project flops. Computer work can engender such feelings, especially when you’ve been glued to the same screen for hours and days on end. Just as my feathers started to ruffle, I remembered that I can choose another way of relating to frustration. Here’s how I reeled in my limp and lifeless spirit and reset my day.
I closed the open windows on my computer. I rolled out my yoga mat and opened my music library. Soft music lulled me through ten minutes of “reset and restore” yoga. In need of rest, I followed a lovely gratitude meditation from Thich Nhat Hahn and Sister Chan in Touching the Earth. Thich Nhat Hahn led us through a bowing down process, which released the stifling grip of complaints from my soul. He told us to bow down to our ancestors . . . my parents . . . the earth and land . . . to those who love and support me . . . to those whom I’ve caused angst when I’m careless . . . to those who have hurt me because they too were in deep pain (and thus need compassion).
This soulful bowing down uplifted me. It reminded me about profound beauty in my world. The kind of beauty that is remarkably deep, making it all the easier to take for granted. Like the sacrifices my parents made for me. Or the path that my ancestor paved for me (their unborn heir). Or the land and people that provide me with deeply nourishing foods. Or the people who fought to preserve the land that holds sacred treasures for many of us to witness, such as in National Parks. Or the fact that I was born in a country, time period, and position in my culture that allows me freedoms to express my passions and pursue my spiritual interests (even when they are outside of convention) without being convicted.
Holy smokes. I can’t remember what bothered me anymore.
My body felt lighter after I found soulful reprieve in Sister Chen’s meditation and song. With a soft, nearly inaudible whisper, she guided me through my body. She reminded me to love and thank my arms, hands, shoulders, neck, torso, legs, and toes.
Thank you, sweet body. Thank you for helping me live delightfully on earth. I pray to remember to play more games with you, and remember how fabulous it is to have a body.
How are you relating to your body? How do you view your life? So often, we are at war with it: we want it to be thinner, smaller, bigger, stronger, less pale, less freckled, less dimpled . . . the list goes on forever. When we change the tone to gratitude, it completely alters how we experience being alive in our bodies and in lives.
Your challenge**:
- List one thing every night that you love about your body. Say “thank you.”
- List one person, place, or spiritual entity every night whom has positively impacted you. Mentally bow down in loving gratitude.
**Bonus points if you can do it again in the morning.
When life brings you blows and your energy sulks, mentally review this list. Write it down as it comes to your head. Take deep breaths. You are loved. I love you!
At the end of the week, let me know how you are feeling. I’d love it if you share some of your gratitude with me! I LOVE positive energy!
Sending GIANT cyber hugs,
Frances
2 responses to “How to deal when you’re frustrated”
This was very inspirational, Frances. Thank you!
Glad you liked it, Eric. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!