Eeyore, anyone?

Ever wake up with that down, dreary feeling? Or have it come on during the day, sometimes for no apparent reason?  I call this being in a funk.  Eeyore would say it's a little black rain cloud. I don't particularly like these moods and I would like nothing more than to avoid these states altogether but I believe they are here to get our attention. So I am starting to listen.

Resistance is futile! 

Oh we can try, but the more we resist the more it will persist.  (That can be applied to just about anything in life though... so keep that one in your back pocket.)   I used to perpetuate the situation by getting in a funk about being in a funk!  It’s dreadful.  But now instead, I'm trying to be curious.  Just like physical pain tells us our body has been pushed to a limit and needs some attention - so too can our internal states of being tell us there is something that needs our attention.
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Here are some areas to consider:
Are you physically exhausted or in need of nourishment?
Are you mentally bored, uninspired or unfulfilled?
Are you spiritually starved?
Are you emotionally shut down?

It is hard to ignore physical pain but so often we plow right through all of the rest.  And all that has to happen is a recognition of what is going on.  I have had to do this myself - just this week!  Even today, the little black rain cloud was there before I got out of bed.  I was in great need of food and some spiritual sustenance when I woke up. So I wasn't just leaping out of bed with energy and excitement for the day.  I've poured that second cup of coffee after a satisfying breakfast, had some spiritual renewal time, some creative outlet time and am moving on with the day.  And if all else fails, I just remember that…

This too shall pass.

So whether it is a mood, an emotion, or whatever, it will pass.  I don't have to fight it or try to make it go away.  I do need to recognize it though.  As I would attend to my sore muscles I  may need to attend to a sore soul with some balm.  What is that for you?  Only you will know.  Explore that.  I'm not talking psychoanalyzing it to pieces (as I used to  do).  Just a brief recognition and a small step to take to care of yourself.

These days, I am waaaay more gentle with myself during these times.  I try not to force myself into or out of the mood or funk I am in.  I'm not sure why I ever did that to myself anyway.  We can be such bullies to ourselves sometimes. 

Today, I am allowing…not forcing.  Observing…not judging.  Showing kindness to myself…not bullying (myself).  And the feeling that I  am coming away with  is gratefulness.  Just as I would be grateful for a friend who did this for me.  As one did, and that friend is ME!   

I'm curious.  Can you relate?  What do you do when you are in a funk?  Do you try to get out asap or are you gentle with yourself also? Inquiring minds want to know….