Changeable as the Weather

"The more clearly you understand yourself and your emotions, the more you become a lover of what is." --Baruch Spinoza

What a surprise! Hearing the rain coming down last night, the last thing I expected was to awaken to snow, much less thunder snow! From a beautiful sunny day, to rain, to snow... all within 24 hours, that's how quickly and dramatically the weather can change.

Our emotions are just like that--as changeable as the weather. I think one key to dealing with our emotions is to recognize how they are ever-changing, like the weather. When we are feeling stormy or sad, know that "this, too, shall pass." 

Another key is to actually feel what we are feeling and to know that it is a signal for what is lacking or being fulfilled for us in the moment. For example, am I hungry and tired? I probably need to eat and get some rest. Am I joyful? I am likely experiencing something that meets my need for happiness.

When I look out the window and see the snow coming down, I feel a sense of peace, wonder and gratitude for the quiet beauty blanketing the earth. But later, when I want to go somewhere and am unable to do so, I may feel frustrated and disappointed.

Our emotions can change in an instant. So what's the message for us? I think one message is that we are not our emotions. We might feel sad, mad, or glad but sad, mad, or glad is not who we are.

This brief book excerpt from Dr. Tina B. Tessina explains it further: Emotions as Weather

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Feel free to use the comments section below.