One of the ironies of reaching a certain level of maturity is that periodically we can still fall into feeling dis-satisfaction. Regardless of what we have achieved, this sense of emptiness can come up and overwhelm any joy we might feel in ourselves.
This emptiness is not an individual failing, but is actually a sign that we are wanting – or being called – to look beyond the surface movie of our lives and dig into the deeper meaning behind our particular heroic human journey on earth. It’s a call for us to remember that we are far more than just our resume of achievements, our history, our personality, our biology.
When we feel emptiness, what are we really tuning into? That feeling of separation. Which can be so annoying! Especially when we’ve worked so hard, been so caring, responsible, even sacrificial – how unfair to suddenly feel that the game is hollow!
What do we do with this feeling?
Notice if you automatically find something ‘out there’ to hold responsible for it. Maybe something current or from your childhood – many of us had someone in our early lives who acted out their pain or confusion against us, and we may still feel betrayal.
There are deeper restorations to be had, but here is a short process for some immediate relief.
Withdraw any blame on something/someone ‘out there,’ and instead commit 5 minutes of your time to sit quietly, close your eyes, and breathe into your heart.
Don’t force it, but simply allow your breath to fill, and then empty, fill and then empty, your heart. Again. And again.
Don’t demand to feel differently, accept your state without judgment, and just breathe in and out of your heart.
If you notice your mind starting to object, return your attention to your heart and the filling/emptying of your breath into it. Your mind won’t like this: it feels its job is to keep you safe, and that by dwelling on your troubled feelings, it is protecting you – but that’s because it’s remembering the past and doesn’t have the vision to imagine beyond its conditioning. Unlike the heart, which is the wellspring of infinite love and connection, beyond just this physical playground.
When we stop insisting anything be different (inside us or out) and simply breathe in and out of our hearts, we are connecting with our true source of love – beyond any emptiness.
Buddha decided not to move from under the Bodhi tree until he reached enlightenment. You might not have that kind of time today – but do take 5 minutes to connect into love.