It seems like a lot of folks I've come into contact with lately have a case of "the Disgusts." Politics, natural disasters, racial conflicts, crimes, terrorism, and just about everything else you can find in the world and the news -- it's breeding sadness, fear, frustration, depression, unease (and disease). Basically, it's given a lot of folks an overall sense of disgust. Yep, there's a reason I live in a TV-free environment. Still, just because I don't watch the news doesn't mean that awful things still aren't happening. 

This morning I was doing my Practice and where did my wandering mind go but to worries and concerns. This past month I've put some serious awareness on the content of my mind. I didn't want to admit it to myself, but it has a habit of dwelling on the limited and the negative. Interesting habits I've allowed myself to fall into. Now when something like that comes up, I get curious about it. I poke it a bit, wonder about it. Then I start asking questions without seeking answers. Years ago, I had a teacher who encouraged me to "live in the question." I loved the idea but...well, that was the problem -- I always used the word "but." I had doubts. I resisted. I liked my habit of living in labels and judgments and answers rather than questions. It felt safer in that place. This morning, I brought myself back to questions. It felt like a space opened up inside of my body. Things got lighter. I dropped deeper into my body and my breath. Did it make everything go away? No, but my perspective shifted and I refocused my attention. 

"The Disgusts:" A Treatment Plan
So, what happens when you come down with a case of "the disgusts?" I know a lot of folks who either do a Tonglen or a Metta practice (if you have a Kindle, you can download the Book, Loving Kindness Meditation, for free). Personally, I've been doing a Brahmavihara practice for the past few months. I've definitely noticed some interesting internal shifts and an overall sense of joy a a result. One thing I always remember is this -- the purpose of a practice like this is not to force yourself into a loving state. Frankly, I think denying your feelings isn't all that loving towards oneself.

Here are some other tools for working with "the disgusts:"

• 5 Minutes a Day Contemplation Practice with Thomas Huebl -- I love Thomas' work and this soothing meditation is perfect for daily practice (and it's free). The short contemplation is a path to inclusion rather than exclusion. There's no pushing feelings away or trying to change or fix. It's just being with what is and watching what's there. And heck, Thomas' voice alone is soothing and wonderful. Try it for a week and notice the difference it makes.
• Pronoia -- I found this delight of a book by Rob Brezsny years ago and it's still one of my favorites. I pull it off the shelf often and just flip to whatever page the book opens to and allow myself to soak in the goodness. Be prepared to be inspired. Reading this book will remind you of just how much good there is in the world, despite appearances to the contrary.
• Surrender -- I've noticed (and personally experienced) that when you're down on your knees feeling lost, that's when you drop what you've been holding so tightly to and are open to receiving new information, help, and change. I've noticed that when I let go of what I was holding onto so tightly (even things we perceive as positive like knowledge and love), it's the equivalent of emptying the cup -- new can come in. I can receive more because I have the space. Miranda Macpherson is hosting a free virtual event on the topic of relaxing the ego and surrendering into something bigger than oneself. Her book, Boundless Love, also covers this topic. When feeling stuck in the granular, day-to-day life happenings, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger view. Sometimes you need to zoom out and remember there's more than meets the eye. 

Does this mean you'll be cured of "the disgusts?" Probably not. But it will expand your awareness and give you some space to dwell in other possibilities. 

Namaste!