Think of a time when you were sad, fearful, angry, lost, depressed, confused, or in a similar state of less-than-happy emotion. For the purpose of simplicity, we’ll call these types of experiences “dark times”.
And if you’re feeling that way now, think of a time when you felt worse than you do right now.
Now…can you remember what it like to get OUT of that state? What it felt like to feel better?
Maybe nothing comes to mind. But give it some time and see if you can remember some times in your life when you can remember coming out of a time of darkness to feel much better – even if it was just for a moment.
When you have recalled a memory of a “coming out of darkness” experience, do something to record it — write about it on a page in your journal, create a quick collage, or just write a quick sentence that sums it up.
This creation, whatever it is, can serve as an anchor for you the next time you face moments of darkness – reminding you that yes, you have been there before, and that you did emerge.
Here’s a piece I did to serve as a reminder of an emergence from darkness to light:
During the cave-like times, it always reminds me that there is more outside the cave. I remember, because I’ve been there before. This little painting helps me remember how good the sun feels on my neck when I climb out.
What helps you remember?