Emotions messed with my meditation, and here’s why that’s just fine

This is my first blog post so it felt important to keep the focus this month on being ‘real and open’ to all meditation experiences. This month I was lucky enough to take some time away and stay in a treehouse retreat close to Exmoor which crosses both Somerset and Devon. Whilst there surrounded by the quiet, calm, and beauty of the place there were moments that I struggled with my meditation practice. I found there were difficult emotions that were floating up to the surface, mainly grief and loss. This took me by surprise, as despite the peaceful surroundings, being in nature and the sun shining, that experience was proving hard. My expectations were not matching with reality.

I love a plan, so I;

• Acknowledged the feelings
• Named them and wrote them down
• Observed the emotions without judgment
• Welcomed them in and let them be present

These simple steps helped me find balance and calm again – I was able to leave that challenge behind and continue to enjoy the surroundings and be in the moment without dragging the emotions around with me.

It might feel counterintuitive to write about what might be perceived as a ‘challenging’ meditation experience, however, it is important in mindfulness meditation to let go of all expectations about how it will be, and how you will feel. All meditation experiences are valid, whether uplifting or difficult. Emotions are like a rainbow – when you put them all together, and allow them to shine as a collective spectrum it is a truly authentic experience.