Awakening to Awareness: Moving Beyond Thoughts and Emotions

In our journey through life, we often encounter emotional storms—those periods when feelings become so intense they threaten to capsize our inner tranquillity. The secret to weathering these storms lies NOT in battening down the hatches and denying the weather but in embracing a deep sense of awareness.

This profound insight, advocated by spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle, is more than a meditation practice—it's a transformative life experience. I personally have sailed through these tumultuous emotional waters. Let me share with you how the act of embracing your emotional self can be empowering, without resorting to suppression or denial.

The Battle Against Emotional Overwhelm

Many of us have been taught to battle our emotions as if they were enemies laying siege to our peace. We're told to "get over it" when what we really need is to understand and process these feelings. Our societal norm pushes towards emotional suppression, but I've discovered that this only leads to a buildup of unresolved emotions, which can burst forth unexpectedly and with overwhelming intensity.

Lessons from Eckhart Tolle: The Role of Awareness

Eckhart Tolle's teachings on the power of now emphasize the importance of being an observer of one's mind and emotions. He teaches us that we are not our thoughts or feelings; rather, we are the awareness that notices these thoughts and feelings. This distinction is crucial. It's the beacon that can guide us back to calm waters when we're adrift in emotional turbulence.

The Power of Presence: Sitting with Our Emotions

There is an indescribable strength in simply sitting with our emotions, especially those that are less than pleasant. Through my own journey, I've learned to hold space for myself to feel all my emotions fully, with awareness. This act of sitting quietly with my feelings has been as powerful as the stormiest of emotions themselves. It allows my body—and emotional body—to digest and break down these feelings, to process them in a healthy and healing way.

The Empowerment of Self-Compassion and Awareness

Earlier in my spiritual path, I encountered numerous philosophies that offered steps to suppress, bypass, or deny emotions—all unhealthy practices I've since realized. Now, my journey is about assisting others in cultivating the right balance in processing emotions. It's about being functional on a day-to-day basis and, slowly but surely, healing from the past and traumas.

Cultivating Balance: Practical Steps to Emotional Awareness

To cultivate this balance, start with simple mindfulness exercises. Practice observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Engage in self-reflection. Keep a journal. These small, daily practices are the stepping stones to building a more conscious awareness of your emotional state. Above all, practice gentle acceptance of whatever you feel, knowing that your emotions don't define you—they are simply passing through your vast, deep experience of being.

Awareness is the dawn that breaks after a long, dark night of emotional struggle. It's the light that guides us on the path to healing and growth, enabling us to process and eventually free ourselves from the chains of past hurts and traumas. This journey is not without its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. Through conscious awareness, we achieve the balance necessary to function each day and heal incrementally.

If you find yourself yearning for support on this transformative journey, remember, you are not alone. I understand the complexities of this path because I have walked it myself. I'm here to guide and support others as they navigate through their own unique process of emotional awakening.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of healing and emotional mastery? If so, I am here to support you. Reach out to me, at [email protected], or visit www.ShamalaTan.info for guidance on cultivating a balanced and emotionally empowered life. 

© Shamala Tan 2023

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have regarding the work that I do via email [email protected]

Shamala Tan is an author, spiritual entrepreneur, and healer. She strives to transform the lives of others on spiritual, emotional, mental, and earthly levels. Shamala's clients include small business owners, holistic practitioners, and individuals seeking greater meaning and value in life. She offers personalized laser coaching to clients in both individual and group settings, both online and offline