In order to actually feel better, I have found that absolute presence with ourselves is all it takes to come back into alignment with who we truly are.
When I was younger, I ran from heavy feeling emotions. Like a child running from a monster that doesn't exist, this is what most people do when confronted with their own painful emotions. Presence is turning on the light and seeing that your fears don't really exist. They're all illusions of your own making.
The only thing separating you from inner peace is simply a belief you're holding. These beliefs range from everyday type things, such as "He disrespected me," to bigger seeming beliefs, such as "She's gone forever."
We become aware of these beliefs when we are present with ourselves. Dr. Dan Siegal, clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA school of medicine, says on mindfulness, "You can be in the midst of great difficulties and yet find immense composure and clarity."
5 powerful resources to feel better now
In this article, I'm sharing five tried-and-true resources that you can use in this moment to feel better by getting present and releasing self-limiting beliefs.
1. The Work by Byron Katie
If everyone in the world would do The Work, we could never stay upset with one another. The Work consists of four questions and a turnaround. You get present, question your beliefs and turn them around.
The worksheets can be downloaded for free on her website under the tab "Downloads." I also highly recommend her podcast, At Home With Byron Katie. I listen to it frequently and it helps me to recognize when my own mind is at war again.
Most helpful for: Releasing heavy emotions you have towards another (use the Judge-Your-Neighbor worksheet).
2. Abraham-Hicks recordings
There's no better resource for coming back into alignment with yourself than listening to some Abraham-Hicks. Abraham, channeled by Esther Hicks, has been asked nearly every question under the sun and never fails to produce the most logical, beautiful responses.
I simply open Youtube and search "Abraham Hicks" followed by whatever I'm struggling with. For example, "Abraham Hicks guilt and regret". Within minutes of listening, I feel myself softening and taking a higher perspective that brings such immense inner peace.
They also have a podcast called "Leading Edge" that I recommend adding to your list.
Most helpful for: Raising your vibration and turning beliefs around
3. The Power of Now
This book is the ultimate resource for understanding how to get present. The first time I read it, I was struggling with intense health anxiety. The palpable relief I felt while reading Eckhart Tolle's words is indescribable.
I learned how to get present in my body and mind, no matter where I was or what I was experiencing. I experienced personally how presence can actually release physical pain. The most important lesson I learned was that I am always okay in the present moment. It's only in the past or future that I experience anxiety or any other unpleasant emotion.
I recommend the book, but I also love listening to the audible version of the book while doing chores around the house or while going for a walk.
Most helpful for: Learning how to be fully present
4. Journaling prompts for clarity
I'm not a daily journaler, but I have always found journaling prompts to be helpful for getting clear. Confusion can have us feeling ways we can't even pinpoint, while coming into clarity brings us back into alignment with our spirit.
Check out this post for 50 journal prompts for clarity, well-being and healing. I recommend picking two to three prompts under one of the categories, or answer as many as feels good. I typically do no more than three.
Most helpful for: Gaining clarity and direction
5. Spiritual Tune-Ups Podcast
Mike Dooley is one of my all-time favorite inspirational authors and speakers, as his energy is just infectious. His book Infinite Possibilities was one of the first books I read at a point in my life when I decided to change my mindset, which transformed my whole reality.
His podcast, Spiritual Tune-Ups with Mike Dooley, is another favorite go-to resource for feeling better. He answers questions from his audience on the podcast–things like how to be in the world but not of it, manifesting things we don't like, and harder subjects such as suicide and evil acts.
Why is this helpful for feeling better? Because he always takes a higher, loving perspective that makes logical sense. A lot of times we talk to those around us when we aren't feeling good, but their own self-limiting beliefs can get in the way of their answers.
It's very beneficial to know of people who can answer hard questions from a place of alignment and truth. Mike is one of those people.
Most helpful for: Cheering up and taking a practical approach to life with a high vibe mindset
Tangible actions to take for a mood boost
Now that I've shared my five favorite resources for turning your mind around, here are some tandem physical actions you can take in the moment to feel better.
Take a short break from whatever you're doing
Even if all you're doing is wallowing in despair on your couch, take a break and do something else. The change up can get your mind off your (illusory) issue at hand and make room for new inspiration to flow in.
Often I do something I need to get done anyway, like house chores or mindfully making a meal. I put my headphones on and listen to one of the above podcasts while I work. It's a win-win.
Get some sunshine or fresh air
If the weather permits, it can really help to go outside, even if only for a few minutes. Screens, phones going off, and other forms of technology-produced stimuli, such as social media, can overwhelm and fatigue us.
Health writer Emily Swaim says "This ongoing overstimulation may raise your stress levels without you even realizing it. The natural world, on the other hand, can offer a mental and emotional refuge when you need to unwind and recharge."
Being in nature, especially if you observe the sounds and sights, help to also bring us into the present moment.
Move your body
Stretching, dance, yoga, or running are all activities that can help move you into your body and out of your mind. Exerting our bodies help us to relieve the tension and is good for your health in general.
I like to take a walk in my neighborhood, again with an ear bud in one ear on a low volume, and listen to The Power of Now. It's better than therapy for me.
Diffuse a bad mood with this question
I got this from Abraham-Hicks and it always helps me move in a better-feeling direction. The question to ask yourself is, "What can I do in this moment to feel better?"
Maybe it's to go for a walk, or call a friend, or take a nap. Then after that, you ask the question again, and follow the most relieving thought that comes to your mind.
Really think about you're needing combined with what would feel nice for you. Try to give yourself as much relief as you can. This is how we can climb up the emotional scale from wherever we are.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this article and found something to take away with you.
To receive my weekly, self-care focused email that inspires you to go deeper inside the magic that is you, sign up for the Self-Care Sunday emails.
With love,
Jessica
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