You Can Be Tender with Yourself

Almost every day people tell me how they're feeling with the disclaimer, "It doesn't make any sense."
Almost every day, I gently explain that it does make sense. Our feelings make a kind of sense that isn't intellectual.
To understand ourselves, though (which is one of the most healing things we can do), we have to attune to our bodies and hearts.
'My heart feels heavy.'
'My legs are shaking.'
'Everything feels so hopeless.'
'I feel so angry about everything.'
Then we offer some tenderness. Imagine saying to yourself, "I am here for you." Then offering one bit of tender care--soft words, a stretch, emotional acknowledgment, a drink of water, a minute to rest your feet in the grass.

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