Categories: Inspiration

by Audrey Sutton Mills

Share

Categories: Inspiration

by Audrey Sutton Mills

Share

 frustrated-client

Meditation is the disciplined practice of being mindful of my outrageous, crazy and otherwise counterproductive thoughts and feelings…and gently coming back to my breath to create space, peace and calm in my mind and body. With practice, this gap between me and my thoughts becomes longer and more frequent. This is my time to come back to the present moment and to myself.

Of course, when things are going well it’s a lot easier to be present. You may even breathe your way back to presence when triggered by stuff that used to make you bat-shit crazy. A careless driver cuts you off in traffic – hey, no big deal. You do some deep Ujjayi breathing, smile and wave them through. You are the freakin’ Dalai Lama.

But what happens when you’re in the shit-storm? It’s not so easy to be present when life doesn’t go as planned, you lose a loved one, have your heart ripped out by someone you cared about, feel threatened or you just can’t seem to get out from the quicksand of your own meltdown?

How do you shift your perspective when you’re knee deep in shit?

We can feel at peace while securely on our yoga mats, but when real life hits you and you are faced with really big problems, do you flee or stay? Do you get played by your Ego or do you align with your True Self?

Too often, we run from challenging circumstances and our emotions when we feel triggered, uneasy or edgy, because our Ego comes from a place of fear, judgment and criticism. When you listen to your Ego, it keeps you stuck in a small place and usually leads you to more bad choices. Then we forget everything we learned in meditation and yoga and go right back to our predictable, conditioned habits. Instead of being peaceful, calm, and patient, we find ourselves becoming more unsettled and upset.

Take a look at whatever you are currently experiencing as an incredible opportunity to learn. Don’t run. Stay in that uncomfortable or frightening place. Sit with these sensations and your thoughts, feel them fully in order to let them pass. When you can stay in that place, while not manipulating or retelling the story, this is great opportunity to grow.

I know what you’re thinking, “But Audrey, I don’t WANT to feel these feelings.” Of course you don’t want to sit with edgy, sad, and frustrated feelings. Coming back to your practice is the key whenever the rug has been pulled out from under you.It’s not a quick fix, but this is a lasting method to healing.

When you feel uncomfortable, sad, hopeless or unsettled, this is the time to put some serious discipline into your practice:

  1. Feel the feelings in your body with detachment, rather than getting caught up in the story. Breathe.
  2. Gently observe where your mind takes you and what happens in your body when you are triggered. Mindfully paying attention, with detachment, to what you are going through will help you understand your own pain, and you will begin to heal broken parts of you. Breathe.
  3. Let go of holding on to or manipulating the story. This is an experience you are having, so let it be your teacher. Breathe and create space in order to understand it.
  4. Compassion is important so you can align with your True Self and soften all of the emotional chaotic edginess.  Breathe.
  5. Repeat.

Be compassionate about this process trusting you don’t need to figure it all out right now. Don’t worry about the outcome or when you will fully heal. That’s too much to consume. Continue to return to your practice of breathing, creating space and gently observing the thought or story. The thoughts will soften and you will create space from the harsh feelings. You will land in that sweet soft spot of your heart in order to see the truth. Move from that place and it will lead you to your next step, and then to the next step. The combination of steps will eventually pull you out of the darkness and toward the light.

We can choose to see what is in front of us as threatening, painful, and unfair or we can shift our perspective to one of opportunity to grow, heal and learn. Change takes time. Challenging feelings, the triggers and frustrations don’t go away, but with practice they do become less heavy. One breath at a time, you can learn to face your fears with mindfulness. You have the power to shift your perspective and use what you are currently experiencing as your teacher.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Subscribe to our free newsletter.

Don’t have an account yet? Get started with a 12-day free trial

Related Posts

  • &

    YOU ARE ENOUGH
    YOU MATTER!

    COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
    YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
    I am Audrey!

    HEY SOUL SISTER!

    I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom

    I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special one-time pilot program where I’ll be coaching you for 2 weeks, and be right there with you! I’m SO excited you’ll be a part of it.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special 3 week online course to inspire you to get grounded,
    embody self-kindness and attune to your inner wisdom.
    This is your personal retreat with doable and small acts of kindness to
    help you come home to yourself. 

    TRANSFORMATIONAL 7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth

    your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    TRANSFORMATIONAL
    7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    MINDFUL PAUSE PODCAST

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with
    other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    SOUL SCHOOL WITH AUDREY

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    IN PERSON + VIRTUAL

    EVENTS &
    RETREATS

    Getaway with me and treat yourself or join me

    close to home for soul-loving events.

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR WEEKLY DOSE OF LOVE
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR YOUR FREE NEWSLETTER

    CONNECT WITH ME FOR
    MORE SELF LOVE

    JOIN ME IN THE
    CONVERSATION OF CURATING
    MORE SELF LOVE

  • &

    YOU ARE ENOUGH
    YOU MATTER!

    COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
    YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
    I am Audrey!

    HEY SOUL SISTER!

    I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom

    I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special one-time pilot program where I’ll be coaching you for 2 weeks, and be right there with you! I’m SO excited you’ll be a part of it.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special 3 week online course to inspire you to get grounded,
    embody self-kindness and attune to your inner wisdom.
    This is your personal retreat with doable and small acts of kindness to
    help you come home to yourself. 

    TRANSFORMATIONAL 7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth

    your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    TRANSFORMATIONAL
    7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    MINDFUL PAUSE PODCAST

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with
    other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    SOUL SCHOOL WITH AUDREY

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    IN PERSON + VIRTUAL

    EVENTS &
    RETREATS

    Getaway with me and treat yourself or join me

    close to home for soul-loving events.

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR WEEKLY DOSE OF LOVE
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR YOUR FREE NEWSLETTER

    CONNECT WITH ME FOR
    MORE SELF LOVE

    JOIN ME IN THE
    CONVERSATION OF CURATING
    MORE SELF LOVE

  • &

    YOU ARE ENOUGH
    YOU MATTER!

    COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
    YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
    I am Audrey!

    HEY SOUL SISTER!

    I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom

    I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special one-time pilot program where I’ll be coaching you for 2 weeks, and be right there with you! I’m SO excited you’ll be a part of it.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special 3 week online course to inspire you to get grounded,
    embody self-kindness and attune to your inner wisdom.
    This is your personal retreat with doable and small acts of kindness to
    help you come home to yourself. 

    TRANSFORMATIONAL 7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth

    your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    TRANSFORMATIONAL
    7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    MINDFUL PAUSE PODCAST

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with
    other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    SOUL SCHOOL WITH AUDREY

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    IN PERSON + VIRTUAL

    EVENTS &
    RETREATS

    Getaway with me and treat yourself or join me

    close to home for soul-loving events.

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR WEEKLY DOSE OF LOVE
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR YOUR FREE NEWSLETTER

    CONNECT WITH ME FOR
    MORE SELF LOVE

    JOIN ME IN THE
    CONVERSATION OF CURATING
    MORE SELF LOVE

  • &

    YOU ARE ENOUGH
    YOU MATTER!

    COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
    YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
    I am Audrey!

    HEY SOUL SISTER!

    I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom

    I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special one-time pilot program where I’ll be coaching you for 2 weeks, and be right there with you! I’m SO excited you’ll be a part of it.

    Self Love Lab

    SELF LOVE LAB is a special 3 week online course to inspire you to get grounded,
    embody self-kindness and attune to your inner wisdom.
    This is your personal retreat with doable and small acts of kindness to
    help you come home to yourself. 

    TRANSFORMATIONAL 7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth

    your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    TRANSFORMATIONAL
    7-WEEK PROGRAM

    SOUL SCHOOL

    Dive deep into your Soul, shed limited beliefs and unearth your gifts to become the person you are meant to be.

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    SOUL MUSINGS

    ON THE BLOG

    Peek inside my personal journal of real life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me.

    RECENT POSTS

    MINDFUL PAUSE PODCAST

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with
    other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    SOUL SCHOOL WITH AUDREY

    PODCAST

    Transformational stories & conversations with other soul seekers who have created their most meaningful life.

    Audrey’s Top 5 Episodes

    IN PERSON + VIRTUAL

    EVENTS &
    RETREATS

    Getaway with me and treat yourself or join me

    close to home for soul-loving events.

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon

    MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)

    Weekly Self-Love Journal
    Monthly Intention Card
    How to Meditate
    Coming soon
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR WEEKLY DOSE OF LOVE
    Loading...

    SIGN UP

    FOR YOUR FREE NEWSLETTER

    CONNECT WITH ME FOR
    MORE SELF LOVE

    JOIN ME IN THE
    CONVERSATION OF CURATING
    MORE SELF LOVE