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‘We all get lost in the dense forest of our lives, entangled in incessant worry, in judgments of others and in our busy striving to meet demands. When we’re caught up in that thicket, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. We forget how much we long to be kind and open-hearted,’ says Brach, author of Radical Compassion. Here, she shares a four-step process to find our way back to ourselves.
Recognise. When you are triggered by a thought that makes you anxious or irritable, or you find yourself reacting instead of responding, try to notice the sensations you feel and your emotions. Become an observer of your reactions. Check in to the emotional tone of the situation: For example, you’re rushing to finish your work, a loved one is trying to get your attention and you’re snappy, and that makes you feel guilty.