ClearYourMentalSpace.doc

Clear Your Mental Space
Think about the last time you felt a negative emotion--like stress,anger,or frustration.What was going through that negativity?Was your mind cluttered with thoughts?Or was it paralyzed,unable to think?
The next time you find yourself in the middle of a very stressful time,or you feel angry or frustrated,stop.Yes,that's right,stop.Whatever you are doing,stop and sit for one minute.While you are sitting there,completely immerse yourself in the negative emotion.
Allow that emotion consume you.Allow yourself one minute to truly feel that emotion.Don;t cheat yourself here.take the entire minute--but only one minute--to do nothing else but feel that emotion.
Once you've allowed yourself to be totally immersed in the emotion and really feel it,you will be surprised to find that the emotion clears rather quickly.
When the minute is over,ask yourself,"Am I willing to keep holding on to this negative emotion as I go through the rest of the day?"
If you feel you need to hold on the emotion for a little longer,that is OK.Allow yourself another minute to feel the emotion.
If you are not willing to carry that negativity with you for the rest of the day,take a deep breath.As you exhale,release all that negativity with your breath.
This exercise seems simple--almost too simple.But,it is very effective.By allowing that negative emotion the space to be truly felt,you are dealing with the emotion rather than stuffing it dawn and trying not to feel it.You are actually taking away the power of the emotion by giving it the space and attention it needs.When you immerse yourself in the emotion,and realize that it is only emotion,it loses its control.You can clear your head and proceed with your task.