Your Best Self- TURNING THE TIDE, (The Journey of Releasing‪)‬ Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.d.

It's very easy to get pulled in and believe whatever we see or hear. One moment good news comes and we're elated. Another moment, something upsetting and we're tied up in knots. Yet, the very nature of life is that one moment come after another, some pleasant, some otherwise. To jump on the bandwagon, and get tossed around by all the changes takes not only our peace of mind, but compassion and clarity from us. Here is a wonderful step in the journey of releasing. It shows us how to stay cente...

We can't wait to take trips of all kinds. They feel adventurous, exciting, as if we are living fully. But so many trips we jump into take us in the wrong direction, or leave us feeling upset and scattered when they're over. Our thoughts, emotions, also take us on trips of all kinds, causing so many crashes. In this wonderful step, we simply don't take the trip. We stop, stay where we are and watch the invitation we are being given and where it truly leads.

Most of our time is spent looking either backwards or forwards, and in this way we become stuck. We try to understand, complete or repeat the past. Or, control every aspect of the future, be careful not to make the same mistake. This wonderful step in releasing, offers a way to stop the uproar within, and return to this very moment where all answers, healing and happiness are waiting for you.

Most of the time we are filled with cravings, unfulfilled hopes, and disappointment. We do not stop and take a moment to fully realize what we have been given, and are being given moment by moment. Or to give thanks for it. We also do not take a moment to notice what we are giving, or the difficulty we may be causing others. As we practice this new step on the Journey of Releasing, we put an end to the blindness that keeps us feeling empty and incomplete.

In order to feel safe and in charge, we get involved with all situations and relationships. We poke our hands in, try to fix, adjust and change things. Or we use our hands to bring something towards us, or perhaps push it away. This only pulls us in further, entangling us in painful ways. When we do the opposite, take our hands off and observe, magic starts happening, and so much distress dissolves.

Most of the time our first reaction to whatever comes, is to say no. We refuse. Unless what happens suits our images, needs and fantasies our energy goes to fighting it, refusing to experience what life has brought. Not only does this tie us up in knots and drain our energy, it prevents the natural flow of happiness and freedom that is our basic birthright. As we stop refusing, it becomes natural and easy to ride whatever inner or outer wave life brings. Not only is it easy, what might have s...