Fighting feelings with feelings

It amazes me how I can work on myself, my habits and my patterns for years and then one slight change of perspective can make the world of difference. This week I made a discovery (not on my own, with the support of friends and a professional). This week my objective was compassion, not for others, but for myself.

I discovered that whenever I feel anxious or worried or overwhelmed I try to challenge those feelings with thoughts and ideas. I try to rationalise my way through with logic. And finally end up judging myself for not being productive. But then someone told me to show myself compassion whenever I felt anxious or overwhelmed. I didn't get it. For days I didn't get it and then, ping, the light bulb went on.

We can't challenge feelings with thoughts, we can only challenge feelings with feelings. Monday morning I was feeling overwhelmed with all I had to get done this week, so I paused and sent some love and kindness to myself. Immediately the feeling started to neutralise and I was left feeling at peace. Like a rennie for my soul. Instead of shutting down and doing nothing, I was able to slowly start doing one task at a time, coming back to compassion every time I started to feel a bit overwhelmed. Before I new it I was in the flow, dancing to music as I cleaned the flat (a task I had been putting off for 2 weeks).

That is all. Just a little nugget, a shift, a discovery to explore. To treat myself with the same compassion I show to others.