The Seagull

During a weekend, I sat in my garden reading a book titled Trusting the Gold by Tara Brach, which consisted of meditations and inspirational stories. The weather was sunny and somewhat breezy, as is typical in the area at the foot of the North Downs.

One of the essays in the book suggested trying to be unaware of everything for a moment. I attempted to do so but found it impossible. Instead, I became aware of everything around me. Tara then discussed the difficulty of not being aware and encouraged readers to embrace their awareness.

Putting the book down again, I observed my surroundings closely. I noticed the wheat swaying in the wind, resembling a green sea with long stalks blowing in the breeze. Looking up, I saw a seagull gliding across the sky, adjusting its wings and body to sail with the wind.

As I watched the seagull, I reflected on how its relationship with the wind could teach me about handling my emotions. The bird didn't resist the wind but adapted to it, using it to navigate where it wanted to go. Similarly, we shouldn't resist our feelings but acknowledge and feel them rather than letting them consume us.

By leaning into our feelings, we can better understand and manage them without being overwhelmed. It's important to acknowledge the emotions, feel them in our bodies, and explore the messages they convey. Embracing our feelings can enrich us, provide valuable lessons, and guide us on the right path. Ultimately, facing our feelings, surrendering to them, and allowing ourselves to feel them is key, as all feelings seek is to be acknowledged.

The irony is that all feelings want, is to be felt.