Sitting with uncomfortable feelings

Sitting with uncomfortable feelings is hard for all of us, this is why they are called “uncomfortable feelings"... they’re not comfortable. Western society views these uncomfortable feelings as “bad”, yet, these “bad” feelings are completely normal. Some of us go to great lengths to escape these feelings, whether they are resentment, anger, rage, sadness, grief, depression, jealousy, anxiety, fear, etc.

However it is these feelings that make us human.

A common reason for some people to turn to substances is to escape these uncomfortable feelings. Maybe some feel as though they are weak, or bad, or wrong for having these feelings, and so to escape them they use drugs and alcohol. Overtime the use of substances to escape feelings can turn into addiction.

A major part of the recovery process and learning how to live sober is learning how to sit with uncomfortable feelings. Feelings are temporary, and feelings carry no judgment. Yet some fear that a feeling will never end, or that something awful will happen if they feel the feeling. Sitting with uncomfortable feelings means to invite them in and experience them. 

Sitting with uncomfortable feelings means to accept that you are human. 

Sitting with uncomfortable feelings means to understand feelings are temporary, and they will pass. Sitting with uncomfortable feelings means to face the feeling and walk through it. Sitting with uncomfortable feelings means you are growing and maturing emotionally. Sometimes sitting with uncomfortable feelings means facing a truth you have been avoiding. Sitting with uncomfortable feelings is being honest with yourself.

The next time you experience an uncomfortable feeling, instead of trying to escape it, invite it in, know it will pass and embrace the knowledge you can gain from it.