We move on the path of growing more self-aware and seeing the world with greater compassion. We discover deeply and long held habits of thought which inhibit the generous and good feelings we prefer to exhibit.

When we feel a sharpness of a hurt reaction, how can we shift off that and get back to feeling good?

Answer: the best we can in that moment and step by step.

We don’t always release this stuff on a dime. Some of our material may not leave with the first pass of awareness. We make where we are ok and keep reaching for feeling better.

How a Recovery Process Might Go

Lucy aspires to releasing her hurts as quickly as she can. L cheered herself on for noticing her hurt reaction and accepted that in herself. Wait a minute, how can she shift out of this?

Luce reviewed “what happened”.  A fellow with whom this star was interacting turned out to be writing to another woman. Hmmph! His focus was not exclusively on her!

To start this dear woman distracted herself by watching some tv. Some relief to get her mind on something else.

In this story, Cindy Lou did not readily release this particular disturbance. Yes, she could notice that her habits were running strong.

Her inner voices were saying, “I guess I am not good looking enough to keep his attention. He has made me feel humiliated and rejected! I must had said something he did not like. “

She was not ready to be cheered up yet. Several like- minded friends offered to help with her reframing. Lucy closed off their input.

In her head boomed, “Shut up and leave me alone. GRRR.”

A Gradual Turnaround

In the second day a back ache showed up and did not easily clear up during the day.

On the third day, our protagonist relaxed her thinking and let in more air and light into her mood. Then L’s dear body produced quite an upset stomach. This too passed through her.

Softening

Lucy listened to a podcast by an experienced leader of A Course in Miracles. This speaker reminded this dear one that she controlled her life with the thoughts she entertained.

As she went about her morning ablutions, she let in the realization: she was defending her hurt reaction, making “out there” more powerful than “in here.” As she forgave herself, she had the power to feel good again.

Alright, alright L accepted that she had stepped on a landmine of past hurt. “Ok,” she admitted, “I have been resisting recovery. I embrace now that my good continues to surround me.”

To find more ease she crooned to herself, “Hey Angel Pie, I am releasing another layer of sludgy feelings from the past. This is so human and understandable. I remain loveable as I purify and release these painful times from the past.”

On day four Lucy started to flow with good feeling again! YAY!

Take Away

From time to time we may feel hurt from past experiences, and might review it (lick our wounds for awhile.) “Hey this is not happening now. Let’s change our thinking.”

We make it ok that it takes as long as it takes to let go of past pain. We persist.

This is the process of growth! Good for me! I am growing stronger and more resilient!

Please share a story that resonates with this post. You inspire us all!

About the Author

Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. These posts demonstrate everyday applications of the path to greater self knowledge and mastery. Opportunities for greater empowerment abound in the moments of our lives. As we all go for operating from a centered and loving space, we are creating a world where peace can prevail. In her forty-six year journey of self-discovery, Janet has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes, Inayat Khan and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.