We live in a culture that is pressed to have more sunshine and joy. The desire for fulfillment and happiness arises and when we don’t meet that desire we feel uncertain, unworthy, unable to meet the moment just as it is. My mom had a saying when I was growing up “everything doesn’t have to be happy, happy, joy, joy all of the time.” To put simply we are humans who experience a range of emotions. When we push these thoughts and feelings away that represent the clouds, the darkness, the rain and strive to have a sunny experience all the time we miss out on the true opportunities of enjoying the life experience. When you feel pain – stay with it. Do your best not to force it away.

Feel it. Live it. Be it. Don’t feel the need to float on the surface of your emotions, let the darkness fill you up and sink you deeper into your body, into the moment, into your existence. The deeper you sink the more you will find at the bottom of the Ocean it’s actually quite calm.

It’s the resistance that makes us unable to deal with it. Release your resistance to whatever emotions you are feeling at any given moment. Stop trying to make your way to the surface to find sunshine, just let these moments in. Accept them and then when you are ready you can begin to lift.

You will naturally float to the surface, finding that breath of air releasing you from what you are holding on to. Move with these emotions. Practice yoga to find that mind-body connection. Journal to let out your thoughts on paper. Breathe deeply to restore your balance. The sunshine will come, and when it does you will feel the warmth radiating from the outside in.