The Clouds of Emotion

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”   

~Thich Nhat Hanh~ 

Like clouds, emotions are mutable. Sometimes light and wispy, sometimes dark and full of the promise of rain, but always moving endlessly on the air current. You can use conscious breathing as a way of being an active participant in moving the clouds along. When emotions arise, be observant. They always show truths that lie beneath the surface and then you can actively work with them.

While it’s important to feel your emotions fully, it’s equally important to remember that they are temporary. The saying “This too shall pass” is true in every circumstance, whether joyful or challenging. In each moment you have an opportunity to cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and the world you create around you. See yourself as a master in the process of awakening.

For me, the clouds in the sky are a beautiful, ever-evolving work of art. Many times throughout the day I just stop to appreciate the beauty and watch the changes. The moment of stillness is a simple way to honor the sacredness of creation that is always in motion.