Weathering the Internal Storm

How have you been, my dear friends?

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a space many of you may recognize—feeling moody, annoyed, and emotionally drained. Every shadow that I had pushed aside came rushing to the surface. Despite my efforts to maintain balance, those emotions took over. I ended up having a complete emotional release, crying from dusk till dawn. But the next morning, as the sun gently shined through my window, I was reminded of the beauty in that release. Sometimes, all we need is a good cry to reset.

As a meditation coach, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the value of honoring our emotions. It’s not always about maintaining calm or pushing forward—sometimes it’s about embracing the storm and letting ourselves feel the full range of our emotions. That morning, as I listened to the soft cooing of a bird outside, I was reminded that after every storm comes clarity. The bird’s song echoed feelings of pain, hope, and renewal, and it brought me back to myself.

This process of emotional release and reflection is something I guide my clients through regularly. It’s about understanding that we need space to process our inner storms in order to reemerge with peace and clarity. In this blog, I’m sharing some key mindfulness practices that help us navigate these internal storms—tools that have helped both me and my clients regain balance in difficult moments.

Purge Your Feelings

One of the most important things I teach is the need to release emotions. Holding onto unprocessed feelings can lead to physical tension, stress, and eventually burnout. I’ve seen it time and again with clients who come to me experiencing emotional blocks that manifest in their bodies—tight shoulders, chronic headaches, or even digestive issues. Your emotions need space to flow.

There are many ways to do this: a good cry, movement, writing, talking it out, or meditating. Emotional release is a powerful tool for healing, and it’s essential for maintaining emotional and physical health. In my practice, I often work with clients to find the best methods for emotional purging—whether through guided meditation, breathwork, or expressive practices like journaling.

One approach that always stuck with me comes from a teacher I had many years ago. She introduced the concept of a “Purging Party.” It’s simple: book a hotel room, light some candles, put on the most melancholic music you can find, wrap yourself in a soft robe, and cry your eyes out. Order room service, rest, watch TV, and let the emotions flow until you feel lighter. If one day isn’t enough, extend your stay. When she first shared this with me, I thought it was a bit impractical, but now I see how genius it really is. Sometimes, we need intentional space to let our emotions out in a safe and comforting environment.

This can also be adapted to your daily life—you don’t have to book a hotel room to allow yourself to “purge.” Find time at home to be with your emotions, light a candle, play music that resonates with your mood, and give yourself permission to feel without judgment. Creating space for this kind of emotional release is not only healing but necessary.

Research supports this: unprocessed emotions trapped in our bodies can contribute to chronic health problems. By allowing ourselves to express and release, we create space for healing. So, take a moment to ask yourself: Are you finding healthy ways to release your emotions?

Connection Is Still Key

Even though the pandemic may be behind us, many of us still struggle with emotional disconnection in our fast-paced lives. As humans, we’re wired for connection, and finding supportive relationships is key to our well-being. In my own life, I’ve witnessed the power of connection when I was feeling low. My family showed up for me when I needed them most, offering the love and space I needed to heal.

This is something I emphasize with my clients—you don’t have to go through life alone. While practicing mindfulness and meditation can bring you peace, sharing your emotional journey with others deepens that healing. Whether it’s through a phone call, a message, or a meaningful conversation, human connection plays a vital role in navigating our internal storms.

Every Effort Matters

As a meditation coach, I often hear from clients who feel overwhelmed by the weight of the world. There’s a sense of survival guilt—wondering how to reconcile feeling “okay” when so many others are struggling. In these moments, I remind them that every small effort matters. You don’t have to do it all or fix everything. It’s enough to show up with kindness, both for yourself and others.

In my own journey, I’ve learned that no act of support is too small. Whether it’s a kind gesture, a donation, or simply being there for a loved one, each effort is meaningful. We don’t have to be heroes—we just have to be present. This is something I encourage clients to embrace: the idea that contributing positively to the world around them, in whatever way they can, is enough.

Set Attainable Goals

In stressful times, it’s easy to overextend ourselves, setting goals that are impossible to achieve. I’ve seen clients burn out by trying to meet unrealistic expectations, and I’ve experienced it myself. In moments like these, I advise focusing on attainable, nurturing goals that allow for balance and self-care.

For me, I use a simple framework that I often share with clients: Create, Move, Center, Rest. These are my pillars. “Create” might involve working on a project, journaling, or learning something new. “Move” means engaging in physical activity—whether that’s a yoga session, a walk, or even dancing around the living room. “Center” is about practicing mindfulness, whether through breath work or meditation. And “Rest” means just that—allowing time to recharge.

I encourage clients to find their own versions of these pillars, setting small, achievable goals that fit within their lives. Balance is key, and by creating space for rest, we can approach life with renewed energy.

Trust That You’re On The Right Track

It’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough—whether as parents, professionals, or individuals. But one thing I always remind myself and my clients is that we’re exactly where we need to be. Every step we take, whether big or small, is part of the journey.

When I work with clients, I encourage them to trust their process. Even when progress feels slow, it’s important to acknowledge the small victories. You don’t have to have everything figured out—you just need to show up each day with intention and compassion. When your actions come from a place of love, you’re always on the right path.

Closing Thoughts

As a meditation coach, my role is to help guide you through the storms, to show you that it’s okay to feel lost or overwhelmed at times. The goal isn’t to avoid the difficult emotions, but to learn how to navigate them with mindfulness, compassion, and presence.

Each morning, I wake up with gratitude, listening for the soft cooing of that bird outside—a reminder that every day brings new possibilities. No matter what challenges yesterday held, today is a fresh start. Give thanks, live fully, love deeply, and trust that wherever you are on your journey, you are enough.