Icandothis2013

So I had a good chat with my therapist this afternoon and spoke of how I’d taken his advice about ‘sitting with one’s (negative) feelings and mindfully acknowledging them without judgment ‘… and guess what ? It works .. they dissipate! He explained that blocking the out as I do , either with work or drink.. just makes them strengthen and last longer. I’m grateful I’ve learnt this and can put it into practice !

Surrendered19

It is one of the things I absolutely had to learn as well ICDT, as part of a healthy recovery. Feelings and events head your way, they arrive and do what they do, and then they move on. It works every time for me as well.

Patience. Not running from feelings and events and acknowledging them is such an effective strategy. Our only other choices - escaping with work or with our addiction, or any other means of escape - allow those feelings to take root.

This is something I still have to work hard on and I think I always will.

Icandothis2013

Exactly ! Glad I’ve learnt this !

Steely

Whenever I put this into practice, it works. Being conscious I guess.

Good on you Ican.

Anna

Yes, ICDT, there was a time when I thought it would be impossible to sit with negative feelings. But, like you, I found I could and that I could survive. They are just feelings and they don't have to overwhelm me. Glad you are doing well.

advbike

I struggle with that too. Often just distract myself, which isn't the best approach. You're doing great.

Icandothis2013

Me too but therapist says that works for a bit but ultimately stops you acknowledging them (the negative feelings) which then makes them worse and last longer !

Juve

Absolutely. For me, this is the key to my recovery. It's absolutely amazing to notice how feelings that seem absolutely unbearable will pass by if I acknowledge them, even just for a few moments.

Let's all recover and heal.

--Johannes

calmself

Good one ICDT. These are the gems we learn from here that we won't easily find in books or movies.

KAD65

It's often easier said than done. Some of those bottled-up feelings are just too intense! That's why they stay bottled-up.