Practice refers to “our customary or habitual way of doing something”. In this essay, I’ll focus on our emotions as we move through the day. Our emotions fall into one of two camps – they either renew or deplete us.
What does this mean? Emotions that deplete us disrupt our nervous system and create incoherence in our bodies. Renewing emotions create coherence, meaning all systems in our body are in harmony and working together. This isn’t just ‘woo woo’ stuff, scientists have known it for more than 20 years. Many ancient practices have traditionally operated on this principle.
Depleting Emotions
Emotions such as anger, frustration, irritation, impatience, worry, anxiety, withdrawal, resentment, and burnout deplete our system. These emotions are reflected in our heart rhythms. Depleting emotions result in a chaotic and jerky rhythm that lasts and can be clearly seen, showing that our nervous system is out of sync.
Renewing Emotions
On the other hand, renewing emotions such as gratitude, appreciation, joy, awe, love, interest, hope, serenity, pride, excitement, passion, courage, contentment, fulfillment, and ease quickly smooth our heart rhythms. You may have felt a difference in your body as you read the list of depleting emotions and then the renewing emotions.
How to Focus on Renewal
Notice when you find yourself with a depleting emotion and stop. Take a deep breath and call on a renewing emotion by thinking of something that brings up that positive feeling. Bring it into yourself and anchor it. Let the feeling inhabit your body. The more you practice this, the easier it gets. It takes less than a minute.
The Payoff
Practicing renewing emotions throughout the day, either in the moment or hours later, will strengthen your calmness and coherence. What you practice grows stronger.