How to Transform "Negative" Emotions
"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all." -Dorothy Day
It seems as though our world encourages the growth of these weeds. Just turn on the TV or read a newspaper and you can see them growing everywhere.
Can we rid ourselves of these weeds? Probably not. But we can understand them and plant seeds that will begin to bring better results.
Anger - STOP! Something you deeply value is being violated. What is that deep need that is not being met? Focus your attention on the need and see if there is an action you can take or request you can make to get that need met. Often underneath the anger is fear or deep sadness. See if you can name it. Defuse the anger before you take action.
Plant seeds of peace, understanding, kindness and justice.
Avarice/Greed - You may think you don't have enough of whatever it is that makes you feel secure, i.e., not enough money, not enough knowledge, not enough stuff, etc. What are you so afraid of? Acquiring more and more can actually make you less secure as you create a need to protect what is yours. What is the truth about security? Does it come from having more or less? Does it come from fear or love?
Plant seeds of generosity, abundance and humility.
Envy - Other people have what you want. Or at least you think they do. Often we project unrecognized parts of ourselves onto other people, even the good stuff. If you admire something in someone else, it is more than likely that you already possess it to one degree or another. Look inside yourself and discover it there. Be grateful for what you have. Recognize your own self-worth.
Plant seeds of beauty, truth and love.
Doubt - The opposite of faith. It is so hard to live in a world without trust. Many who live in doubt have a hard time trusting themselves. They give away their power to others and then question their decision to do so. What would it take to trust yourself? When you are in that place of self-doubt try asking yourself, "What would love do?"
Plant seeds of faith, trust, courage and confidence.
"Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn." -Jesus