15/06/2024
So this is something I’ve been practising lately, and honestly it can be tricky after 40 years of doing the opposite.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed. But we are constantly bombarded with information, emotions, and stimuli that don’t belong to us.
🌿What Does It Mean to Observe, Not Absorb?
Observing means taking in information, experiences, and emotions without letting them deeply affect your inner self.
Absorbing, on the other hand, involves internalizing these experiences and emotions, often leading to stress, anxiety, and becoming emotionally drained.
Obviously there will be times when a partner or close friend will experience something and you’re going to be feeling some of that with them. This isn’t an invitation to become an emotionless robot, simply allow the stuff that isn’t yours, to pass by not suck you in.
🌿How To Practice This:
1. Set Boundaries: this could mean limiting interactions with negative influences or taking regular breaks from stressful environments.
2. Emotional Detachment: Work on the ability to step back and view situations objectively. This doesn’t mean becoming indifferent but rather managing your empathy to avoid emotional exhaustion.
3. Positive Self-Talk: Reinforce your sense of self with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you control your reactions and emotions, not external circumstances.
4. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for processing emotions without internalizing them. It’s a way to reflect and observe your reactions from a distance.
CONCLUSION
“Observe, don’t absorb” isn’t about isolating yourself from the world. It’s about interacting in a way that safeguards your mental and emotional well-being.
By choosing to observe rather than absorb, you develop a resilient mind, and the ability to handle life your own way with grace and poise.
With love,
Victoria x