Many of us spend our whole lives running from feeling, with the mistaken belief that you can not bear the pain. But you have already borne the pain. What you have not done is feel all that you are beyond that pain. – Kahlil Gibran
This quote by Kahlil holds so much truth from experiences that I have had in my own life and in those around me. Feeling and acknowledging the uncomfortable pain in our life and working on letting it go, is essential if we want to find a deeper sense of ourself and of love.
To feel love or our pain we need to allow ourselves to become vulnerable. We can sit safely in our imaginations all day or we can fully commit to taking action, embracing the notion that we might fail or get hurt. When we numb sadness and pain, we numb joy and happiness. Feeling the depths of our lows enables us to fully feel the depths of our highs. It’s all connected.
I did a heart opening technique in my meditation class the other day I wanted to share with you how we did this.
Sit quietly and become aware of your breathing.
Close you eyes and take some deep breaths in and out deeply and slowly.
Feel yourself relax and become still in your thoughts.
Now begin to visualise your heart, visualise the whole area of your chest and upper back.
What does this area feel like? Does it feel tight or heavy? Does it feel light? What feelings are rising up within you when you go to your heart and start to be aware of how you feel?
Whatever arises, whether it be anger, fear, sadness, love or joy feel it.
Now let go of these negative feelings, through your breath, allow your breath to breathe out these heavy feelings through to the ground.
Keep breathing out these feelings until you feel lighter. Keep using your breath to release.
Now visualise your heart and see it filling up with light, love, peace and joy. Keep sending that to your heart saying, “I am love”
After a minute or two of repeating this, tune in to how you feel. What do you feel? Allow love and peace into your soul and heart, you deserve this.
Take some deep breaths in and out and open your eyes.
I love practising this technique, as it can help us connect to our feelings, allow them to be validated and acknowledged and in letting them go, we allow more space to receive what we need.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Going to practice it Karen – thank you. Sounds good.
Thankyou Don, I would love to hear how you feel afterwards.
It is true that feeling the depth of pain makes one appreciate and feel the joys of life much more.
I would not have believed it, if I had not experienced it.
Not many people believe that facing our inner pain helps us feel a deeper sense of happiness Elizabeth, but I am so glad you have. You have worked very hard to understand this. Thankyou for your comment. 🙂
Good visualization technique!
Thanks Emilie, it is. 🙂
Beautiful Karen. Keep breathing into that space 🙂
It is a beautiful space! Thankyou Val
“Enjoying grief” is my favourite way of putting it.
Thankyou Arlene, nice to have you here.
Just beautiful Karen and so apropos for Valentine’s Day! ❤
Diana xo
Yes it’s a unusual Valentine Day practice! but guaranteed to find more love for you ha 🙂
Karen I love this meditation. I sometimes sit and just listen to my inner voices. I will try this one and imagine my heart filling with joy. Thank you. Loving yourself and taking care of those inner feelings can then be shared with the ones we love.
I think you will like this one Kath. We often forget to connect to our heart and replenish it’s space with love and joy. Anytime we are still, we are listening. 🙂 Thankyou.
Grieving for the loss of my Dad has brought such an onrush of emotions, especially those that hurt. Not refusing them valitidy I give them room to BE with the Intention of letting them go fully. And when I do, Peace, JOY and Love are anchored within me even deeper then before. In order to walk Love, you have to experience the full spectrum of emotions, sifting through in order to bring all to Balance. Beautiful post, Karen. Just beautiful. Yes you have worked hard at obtaining Love. There is a price tag that comes along with Love, one that is never too far from having to purchase again. Bless you for writing such Truth. Love, Amy
This is such a beautiful comment. I appreciate that you can share your pain and understanding of grief from the loss of your Dad. It is true that there is a price tag for this depth of love and I wish it didnt have to be that way. Thankyou so much for being here Amy. “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
My emotions are raw today. The tears are really shimmering in my eyes right now as I try to swallow, so I don’t burst into tears. Bless you for your understanding and your gentleness as you touched me. Love, Amy
Oh Amy, I wish I could give you a hug. Thankyou for expressing your sadness, you are a beautiful soul. Be kind to yourself as you let go of your pain.
This is a great visualization Karen, I will try this again, both home and at the beach where I love to meditate
Wonderful Irene! The beach is perfect for meditation. The ocean is a beautiful place to open our heart. Thankyou for your comment.
I often wonder why people have to show strength all the time. Thanks for the relaxation, Karen.
I think at times it seems easier to show strength, whereas it is a lot harder to be vulnerable and feel our pain. Glad you felt some relaxation! I hope Greece is going well for you. 🙂 Thanks
I’ve just started getting back into meditation again and like this one that you shared. I like the idea of breathing out the heavy feelings. I find those feelings have been pulling me down lately so this is something I want to focus on. It’s a good release 🙂
Im always happy to hear that people are Meditating! Breathing out and letting go, always gives us more space. Thankyou for sharing here today, I appreciate it.
Beautiful ~ thanks for the meditation! ♥♥♥
Opening our heart to receive more! It is a beautiful meditation. Much love.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I appreciate your thoughts about my blog and for stopping by.
Reblogged this on Lovely Wounded Lady Says ….
Thankyou so much for sharing again! 🙂