Stone Eight

Release: After experiencing all feelings, I release any emotions I deem harmful to my spiritual path.

Releasing harmful emotions is important, but it can also be difficult. When the pain is fresh, when the hurt is deep, and when the wound still bleeds, forgiving and releasing such emotions as bitterness, hatred, and anger are often the last things we consider. In these situations we have to feel the pain before we can find a miracle to help us surrender the emotions that would keep us in the dark nights of misery. Often that miracle is a simple desire on our part to stop feeling what we are feeling — to let go and return to pre-pain conditions.

When the pain becomes unbearable and people turn to self-medication through alcohol, drugs, sex, overeating, or any other form of suppression, we are not surprised. We are more surprised by the occasional miracle that seems to happen when people are able to release the pain and move on with life. Though it might take time, we can eventually release our pain and move forward, and even find spiritual places we would not have found without the darkness. It may sound oversimplified, but pray for a miracle, pray for love, and feel the pain, but don’t coddle it.