Can a pleasant feeling keep you away from feeling an unpleasant one? Read on…
Sofie writes:
Lately something odd has been happening in my Focusing. I start with the unpleasant nagging feeling that has been there for some time. But then, while investigating what it looks like, how it really feels, where I feel it… I get this overwhelming feeling of calmness, inner peace.
The feeling of inner peace is super nice, but I feel like it keeps me away from exploring this other feeling, that in everyday life is still present.
Dear Sofie:
So there’s a feeling that’s been there for some time. You’re describing it as “unpleasant, nagging.” If it’s nagging, I’m guessing it’s probably wanting your attention.
And then, when you start to spend time with it, you get an overwhelming feeling of calmness and inner peace. And we’re not sure why.
That feeling of calmness and inner peace might have been what we call a shift, which is when a stressful feeling releases and becomes something flowing and enjoyable.
But that doesn’t sound like what’s happening, since in your everyday life the unpleasant nagging feeling is still there.
I’m guessing that a part of you is stepping in to try to help you feel better. And it does succeed… but only for a little while.
So what I’d recommend is that you make a guess that there’s probably a part of you that is getting worried about the unpleasant nagging feeling not changing. And offer an inner invitation that you’d like to get to know that part better.
When you make that invitation… and then wait… you’ll probably begin to sense that there is something in you worried about how long this Focusing is taking. And then you let it know you hear it.
After all, it is OK to feel inner peace and calmness… and you can then turn from the inner peace (still feeling peaceful, in other words) toward the place that is not feeling peaceful, and get it know it too.
