I have spent too much time being moody over what someone said or did to me. But I never thought about noticing my moods and acting differently when they come along.
Although I don’t know how you feel about moodiness, I will share a way to change your thinking on how to deal with your moods.
This revelation came to me while reading the August issue of Science of Mind Magazine. One of my favorite columns is “Science and Spirituality.” The authors who write this column have inspired me more than once with their wisdom.
Following is an excerpt from their article, “Negative Feelings: Label, Observe, Discover.”
Let’s assume that most of our feelings and moods are brief, imaginary snapshots of what we may or may not actually be experiencing. Here’s a strategy you can try, one I’ve found liberating. Spend the next few days — ideally a week — noticing your mood and saying to yourself, “This is not real.”
Then pay attention to what you feel in the present moment. Pause briefly for 60 seconds and take several slow, mindful breaths (or better yet, three mindful yawns and a slow, deliberate stretch). Being in the present moment, even briefly, is devoid of thoughts, feelings, fantasies and plans about the future. I call this state bliss, a sense of beingness that is impossible to capture with words.
Don’t try to get rid of a negative feeling. Neurologically it’s impossible to do. But If you allow those fleeting impressions to be there without judgment or labels, your brain will barely react.
In mindfulness practice, this is called “acceptance” and can be a huge relief. There’s nothing to do but be present. Try this exercise with a friend and share what the present-moment experience feels like. You may find yourself having a profoundly delightful and intimate conversation.
Going through this exercise and paying attention to what you are feeling — rather than trying to ignore or accentuate it — can be liberating.
Try noticing your moods using the short exercise above, and let me know how it works for you.
In the meantime, feel free to join us in our month’s Meditation for World Peace and Harmony.
