Embracing Self Destructive Behaviors to Transcend them....

"Do not demonize thoughts, experiences, or feelings.  Rather embrace them and recognize the purpose of them so that you may transcend them."

This quote was spoken to me in a yoga class recently.  I am not sure who first said it.  It could be a general thought that has circled around.  Either way, to me it was very powerful.  It is not a new idea to me, but it is one that every time I hear it I get an overwhelming sense of peace within myself.  Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I think to myself,  that I don't have to over think an experience, whether positive or negative.  If it is felt as positive I just see that it is, I am joyful, but then I remind myself that it too will pass.  If it is felt as negative I go within myself to try and understand why I perceived it as negative.  It helps to stop and ask yourself:

1. What is causing me to be upset/sad?
2. Is this emotion a result of self love or self sabotage?
    * If sabotage ask, What good comes from this act? Recognize the treasure in it. Are you protecting yourself from something?
3. Is this coming from a place of fear/anger or love/compassion?

Asking yourself these questions can open your mind to a new awareness.  It is important that you approach this with NO judgment.  Be honest with yourself.  It can be scary, but going there and taking another step to understanding yourself, but it is the way to healing.  I know from experience that when you are upset or sad it is never easy to stop and ask yourself these questions.  In fact, for me it was really difficult to even get to a point of awareness where I could stop my usual self destructive thoughts and/or behaviors and remember to ask these questions.  At times even when you are amazing enough to tell yourself to stop and ask these questions, but are unable to for whatever reason, that alone is a HUGE accomplishment.  Even if you continued on your self destructive act.  You gained the awareness, it was there.  GOOD JOB!  In this instance it is just as beneficial to ask the questions after, and tell yourself:

"Next time I will create the awareness before the behavior starts.  Next time I will ask the questions and learn something new about myself."

Remember demonizing thoughts, feeling, or experiences is a self destructive act.  Do not judge yourself.  Go within yourself and look deeply at them and understand the treasures and embrace them .  Only then can you transcend them and heal yourself.  Joy lies within us all.  Go within yourself and discover yours.