Alex: Mastering Difficult Emotions (and Difficult Circumstances)

In March I began separating from my husband.

For the first two weeks I was a complete mess. My mind was going nuts, spiraling into anger, depression…every possible emotion.

I started coming to the Center not long after. For the first three months I just went head first into the Dharma. I was at every GP class I could find.

I soon learned I didn’t have to be a victim to all the emotions that were arising – I could have a sense of control about how I was feeling. The separation from my husband was just an event that had occurred – it didn’t have the power to cause me to feel anything. It isn’t who I am.

Realizing this meant I could accept it for what it was without adding anger, betrayal, guilt, grief, loss, and “how could you do this to me?” to the story. All those were coming from me, not the situation.