Breakups, losing a loved one, facing rejection, experiencing failure, or even someone taking the last donut from the office pantry—sadness comes in all shapes and scenarios.

“When we speak about sadness, there are people who have what you call sadness phobia,” explains Michael Beckwith, the spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center and trainer of Mindvalley’s Life Visioning Mastery Quest. It essentially means they’re afraid of being said, and so “they do all kinds of things to not feel it.”

But sadness is not something to be afraid of; rather, as Michael advises, it should be looked at as a companion. And by doing so, it’ll help you grow and become stronger inside. 

In a heart-to-heart chat on The Mindvalley Show with Vishen, Michael shares some really helpful tips on how to do this, using stories and ideas that will surely open your eyes to not only the tough parts of sadness but also the surprising gifts it can bring.

Who Is Michael Beckwith?

You might recognize him from the Law of Attraction movie, The Secret, but the name “Michael Beckwith” goes beyond the credits of a popular film. It’s one that’s synonymous with spirituality and navigating through emotional tumult with grace.

As the guiding light of the Agape International Spiritual Center, he doesn’t just talk about spirituality; Michael shows people how to live it, even in the midst of pain and sadness.

Just take it from one student of his Life Visioning Mastery Quest on Mindvalley, Nicole Waicunas, who’s the creator and co-director of The School of Innovative Learning in Stafford, U.S.A.

“With the guidance of Michael, I have found a peace, a centering, a calm passion, and excitement that rolls off of me and onto everything that I touch and every person with whom I interact,” she wrote. “My life is transformed.”

What’s more, he’s also a celebrated author. Among his vast catalog, Spiritual Liberation clinched the Gold Medal Nautilus Book Award in 2009, and Life Visioning found its place in Oprah.com’s 2018 listing of “15 Books to Help Solve 15 Life Problems.”

Sharing his insights with big names like Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz, Michael shines not only in the spotlight but also in the quiet, personal journeys of individuals. He gently lights the path for others, leading them towards a calm and serene space amid life’s tumultuous journeys, like that of sadness.

How to Deal With Sadness, According to Michael Beckwith

Walking through sadness can often feel like a long, tough journey without an end. Yet, the wisdom from Michael, built from his own stories and spiritual know-how, offers a shining light in these dark times. In a way, it’s a “Michael Beckwith special” to turn pain into a path toward higher consciousness. 

And given that, according to the World Health Organization, over 280 million people worldwide deal with depression, a stark reflection of pervasive sadness, Michael’s insights might just be as essential as ever. Here are three tips he shares with Vishen on The Mindvalley Show that can help you better navigate through your human experience of sorrow.

1. Observe and embrace sadness

Facing sadness head-on is crucial for emotional management and self-growth. Unfortunately, people often turn to compulsive behaviors—alcohol, overeating, and excessive shopping, among others—to not feel their feelings. And according to Michael, “that’s preventing the evolution of their souls.”

He also emphasizes that acknowledging your grief is a vital step towards healing and understanding yourself. Even research has shown that practicing self-reflection instead of suppressing emotions can positively impact your psychological well-being and emotional development.

You don't want to be afraid of the sadness; you want to sit with it. — @drmichaelbb
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So, observe the emotion. Embrace it. And you may just find that it opens the door to self-awareness and healing. 

Try this technique from Michael Beckwith:

2. View sadness as a passing presence

“Sadness is a companion passing through,” says Michael. And knowing it won’t stay forever is really important.

This idea also connects to something called the Law of Resonance, where our feelings can pull in similar energy or experiences. So, if you see sadness as just a visitor, you keep your mind from always feeling down. 

Michael explains this idea in a simple way, too. He says, “Since everything is energy, [sadness] begins to change. It begins to dissolve, transmute, and, ultimately, your expanded awareness transcends it, and that sadness dissolves and your natural state of happiness and joy is there.” 

Simply put, when you shift your perception of sadness as a tourist, you make space for healing and finding your happy moments again.

Listen to this insight by Michael Beckwith:

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3. Don’t mask your sadness

“You don’t really get rid of sadness,” Michael points out. “You’re actually masking it; it’s still there.”

Masking often involves using compulsive behaviors, which can lead to addiction. So, instead, Michael suggests an alternative, perhaps a manifestation of healing: viewing sadness as a “kensho” moment, a “slow-burning” process, gently nudging us to be present and deeply feel it.

“When you use that as an object of your focus in meditation, it’s a slow burn, but it keeps you in the present moment,” Michael explains. “You start to finally attune your ability to observe and stay present.”

And perhaps, through mindful observation and presence, you might find “satori” moments—instant realizations and clear insights—that can guide you towards light and clarity amidst your emotional journey.

Try this Michael Beckwith meditation:

Find Strength In Sorrow

Sitting with sadness can seem like a big challenge. However, hidden in your ups and downs, there’s a quiet strength ready to be found. 

The pain pushes until the vision pulls. — @drmichaelbb
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Michael Beckwith, with his kind and wise words, invites you to see your sadness not as something heavy to carry but as steps leading you toward deeper spiritual understanding and discovering your true self.

And you can learn how to do so in his FREE True Manifesting From the Soul Masterclass on Mindvalley. In a little over an hour, you’ll get insights to:

• Identify and remove common blockers that keep you from getting what you want,
• Use a step-by-step approach to accelerate personal growth, and
• Handle life’s curveballs effectively with insightful strategies.

Your path toward true spiritual liberation and fulfilling happiness starts here. And it promises to be transformative and enlightening.