It’s Healthy to Feel Sad 👍

Embracing Sadness as Part of Life

In a culture so focused on the pursuit of happiness, we sometimes miss the essential value of sadness in our growth and well-being. Sadness is more than just feeling down; it serves important purposes. It allows us to pause and reflect, deepens our bonds with others, strengthens our memories, and even fuels our creativity.

With the constant push to stay positive, finding room for sadness can be challenging. But the twist is that acknowledging and working through our sadness can lead to a richer, more joyful life in the long run. By embracing our moments of sadness, we build resilience, deepen our self-understanding, and open ourselves to more genuine happiness. So, don’t be afraid to fully experience those emotions—they’re part of what makes life meaningful.

Pema Chödrön’s Wisdom on Embracing Sadness

Renowned Buddhist nun, author, and teacher Pema Chödrön speaks to the interconnected nature of joy and sorrow, likening it to the relationship between summer and winter. If we approach sadness as we do winter—a season for rest and renewal—we might find it brings a sense of ease and grace.

Chödrön reminds us that sadness is simply a moment of letting go, part of life’s natural cycle. By bringing acceptance and compassion to the ebbs and flows of our emotions, we can experience life’s beauty and peace, even in its more challenging moments.

Why We Should Normalize Sadness

In today’s society, sadness is often viewed as a problem to be fixed or even a symptom of illness. But there’s value in making sadness a more accepted, natural part of our emotional landscape.

Reframing sadness as a normal experience that we can talk about openly helps reduce the stigma surrounding it. Doing so allows us to process difficult feelings in a healthier way, fostering resilience and growth. Research shows that when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable during sad times, we feel less isolated and more connected to others, ultimately building a stronger sense of community.

Your Sacred Muscles Workout 💪

Making Space for Sadness

Our workout today is inspired by Onojighofia Tobore’s suggestions for normalizing every day greetings that make space and inclusion for sadness.

1. If you were having a tough time, and someone asks you ‘How Are You?’ – How do you usually respond in the following contexts. Write down your answers.
   1. At work
   2. In the grocery store with a stranger
   3. With your family
   4. With your closest friends
   5. With your partner
2. Now just be aware, if your dog was to ask you ‘How Are You’? on one of your toughest days – How would you respond to your dog? Write down your answer.
3. Be brave. Heartstorm (like brainstorming accept you do this from your loving heart, not your critical brain) more vulnerable and authentic responses you can use when you ARE sad and having a tough time. Write them down and just be aware they are options. Don’t force or make you do anything. But just remind yourself that if you do more authentically express your sadness you’ll be less likely to feel alone and ashamed, and more likely to grow with greater connection and community.
   1. At work
   2. In the grocery store with a stranger
   3. With your family
   4. With your closest friends
   5. With your partner

Upgrade for the References used in this article, some personal comments from Dr Zoë about her own experience of sadness, and an Advanced Reading: “The Healing Bridge of Loving”.