It is perfectly natural as a human being to feel different emotions during the course of a day.

It is perfectly natural as a human being to feel different emotions during the course of a day. True happiness is the result of how we respond to these occurrences. Difficulty and suffering arise when we stop feeling or when we become disconnected/dissociated from our actual experiences. Similarly, when we become over identified with a “story of me”, we tighten the reigns on a identity of suffering and separate self. For example thinking “I am such a depressed person, I will never get out of this state.” Or, “I am in so much pain, no one understands me, and I will never be able to enjoy my life again”. Or lastly, “I am such a “fuck up” , there is something terribly wrong, and if only I could figure it out and fix it. Once that happens, I can be happy and fulfilled”.

The good news is, there is great hope of liberation from this form of suffering.once we understand the truth of this predicament, the nature of self and impermanence of things, we can begin to relate to our human condition with compassion and wisdom. With the aide of a meditation practice, combined with additional simple child within practices established in mindfulness and compassion, emotional balance will arise naturally without our incessant striving for it. We will be able to directly observe the way the mind and self create this painful and stressful existence and then we can thus observe the moment to moment dissolving and liberation from this added layer of suffering and isolation caused by alienation from our true self the child within.

A mindful approach to living includes:
greeting each day and moment with curiosity, taking time to savour our experiences,
forgiving ourselves and others for mistakes, big and small,
appreciating pleasant experiences and adopting an open hearted acceptance of the “less pleasant” ones
practising compassion and nurturing connections
making peace with imperfections, inside and out
embracing vulnerability by trusting self and others
accepting and appreciating that things come and go
truly caring for ourself and taking responsibility for our own well being and considering the same for others

Research studies have shown that a well grounded mindfulness practice has the potential to create changes in brain regions and brain activity that correlate with and results in:
improved concentration, insight and creativity,
increased acceptance, coping strategies and well-being for those reporting chronic pain,
reduced stress, anxiety and relapse associated depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia.
Increased decision making and abstinence in those with substance abuse, histories
and increased empathy and other-centred thinking and action

So, do yourself or someone you know who is suffering, a favour, a real favour, share this information with them.