Distress is a tough customer to handle

All of us are creatures of habits and behaviours. We often try to make our mind up to resolve or modify our behavioural patterns. This change, or resolution, often comes by way of new habits or objectives that replace the behaviour itself. What we try to transform may be subtle, or forced — it may work, or not work. Psychologists suggest that it would be worth the initiative, if we were to ease behavioural patterns from the inside out. How can this be achieved, you may well ask. It is simple; it is also profound. The answer lies in us — if only we reassess our emotional turn of phrases, or images that correspond to our earlier behavioural patterns. Philosophers call it self-assessment — one that helps to shape long-lasting solutions to our behavioural patterns, or problems. Well, the point is, we can change our habits only when we bring about behavioural adjustments. The point also is, whatever the mode we choose, the end result is altered behaviour. It is this — the means — that holds the key to improved behaviour, not the end by itself because intentions are more important than results.
When behaviours result in emotional distress, easing our emotions is not easy. It is difficult because distressful behaviour is a tough customer to handle. But, once the emotional distress is dealt with, one need not resort to intentional, or compulsive, behaviours in an endeavour to build ‘firewalls’ against distressed emotions. How can one bring about such a resolution? By being genuine to one’s inner feelings, or by developing proximity to one’s own self, or being open and receptive to your inner voice, which knows you and your thoughts best.
Once you reach this level of understanding, you will be in a better frame of mind to rid yourself of your emotional disguise without trepidation. You will also have a greater facility for realistic thinking, acceptance and also willingness to liberate and let go your emotional distress. In other words, you will be in a much better position to discard habitual patterns of behaviour that were the symptom of your distress, trouble, or concern — a more superficial, rather than a deep-seated, problem you erroneously pictured in your mind.
It has been an age-old question, ‘Do behaviours influence emotions?’ The answer is they do; and, in more ways than one. Medical researchers surmise that certain behaviours enhance the level of serotonin, the feel-good chemical, in the brain. For instance, serotonin levels in depressed individuals are much lower than in people who are not depressed. In other words, some behaviours relieve depression; some amplify the condition. It does not require a scientist in us to figure this out. All we need to do is keep ourselves smiling from within, not just with our faces, and by investing in oneself. You’d certainly include meditation, music, and art therapy, as backups in the process — they all reduce your stress levels and also depression, or moods.
Just think of yourself riding a bicycle. Think of the front wheel as your mind, or control, with your body and emotions being the rear wheel. As you ride the bicycle, try to shed your depressed feelings. Now, come to the source of your depression. When the front wheel turns full circle, try to generate a new thought. One that leaves behind your depressed feelings and also behaviour. Look ahead — with hope, happiness and fortitude.