A Blissful Life 1/14/25: Processing Time

Shocking life events require processing time. We are all so busy in life, but when something comes in and takes away your breath or knocks you off your feet, all of a sudden nothing else is that important anymore and there is new found time and space to sit in.

I believe that we all experience moments such as this at one time or another. Often, one experiences multiple unexpected, rattling situations over the span of a lifetime. So, what do you do? It’s definitely a process.

First, we need time in stillness to absorb the shock. Having a small group of loved ones supporting you during this time can be very helpful. Even if they can’t physically do anything to help, and even if there are no words to make you feel better, just their presence and prayer can help you to feel accompanied and supported.

As the shock starts to settle and you begin to wrap your mind around the situation, you will likely experience waves of emotion. Depending on the circumstances, these may range from sadness to anger to fear to disbelief, or anything in between. There will likely be confusion and you may find yourself asking, “Why?” a lot. You might ask why life has to be so hard sometimes. You might tell yourself that you’re a good person, and this isn’t fair.

I have always been very optimistic, and I truly believe that everything happens exactly as it should. Even during the most difficult times, in the back of my mind I know this to be true. Eventually, there will be growth and rebirth from the pain. Maybe in the future, I will have a clearer picture of why this happened, and maybe I won’t. That being said, this does not necessarily make the pain and discomfort any easier– and that’s ok. We have to be where we are and let the emotions run their course. Again, it’s a process.

As the emotions run through my body, I like to imagine them as washing me. It can feel like a cleansing, especially when you let yourself cry. These too will pass. Remember, you are not your emotions– feel them, but don’t attach to them.

During the initial time after receiving a shock, yes, it’s important to slow down, but also we have to continue to take care of ourselves. Get up out of bed, take a shower, get dressed for the day. I find it helpful to move my body a bit– not necessarily hard and strenuous exercise, even just a walk or light weights will do. Stay hydrated and feed yourself the way you want to feel by eating healthy. Get outside for a little while and let the sun touch your skin. Take mindful moments to focus on your breath and plant your feet on the ground. Everything will be ok, and you will get through this in due time.

As time passes and you move closer to acceptance, perhaps you experience some grief. Let yourself grieve as you let go of what was and step into what will be. Trust that at the end of grief is a new life with new opportunities and possibilities.

Yoga has been a tremendous tool in helping me move through difficult moments. In fact, one of the reasons yoga began was to address the question, “Why do we suffer?” I encourage you to join us at Ocean Bliss Yoga for classes and workshops. We also offer Pilates. If you’re really looking for a deep dive this winter, join our 200-Hour Yoga Alliance-Certified Yoga Teacher Training, which begins on February 21st, 2025. Call or text me for more information on any of these offerings at 917-318-1168, or go to oceanblissyoga.net.