Interview with Jennifer Hippensteel, author, holistic health practitioner, Reiki Master, business consultant – 12/31/21
“We all have those times when we feel low, down or concerned about things going on in our lives. However, sometimes we can get stuck in that dark place… the place that offers no answers or hope. This place of feeling stuck is not where we want to stay.”
Jennifer Hippensteel – JUST BREATHE
The words written above and in this post are from a dear friend, intuitive guide, and holistic practitioner who has taught me practical and useful strategies over the years. From coping through the loss of my brother, to standing in my power and aligning my life choices with my soul’s purpose. No matter what you believe in or how you see the world right now, I know Jennifer Hippensteel’s wisdom and strategies are so worth sharing with each of you as we step with not-so- much confidence in 2022. Happy New Year all!
You say we don’t want to stay in these moments, how do I get out of them and avoid having them in the future?
I feel it is totally normal to have these moments, I also think its essential to not let those emotions linger for too long. Just know we can’t avoid them, they are part of our reality.
I allow myself 24 hours to wallow, to feel blue. Knowing that when I wake up the next day, I will have access to the answers needed and have renewed light and hope.
When I get stuck in these places, I don’t always know what I should be doing different. How do you manage through when you get stuck in the tunnel and don’t see the light at the end of it?
During my wallowing time I spend it alone. Writing, walking in nature, kayaking, taking a bath or reading a long-awaited book. I don’t usually reach out to anyone as it is my time – my time to get in touch and allow those dark thoughts and concerns to simmer. To acknowledge and embrace the thoughts and beliefs so when my 24 hours are up I can release them into the universe.
I appreciate that you are taking time for yourself and allowing the feelings and thoughts to work through you. I know we all experience these low points, but many of us have been taught to push through them.
If we can’t sit with ourselves in these times of low vibration, what are we really telling ourselves? Are we not worth the peace time? The break from our daily stressors? Are we not worthy of a day off from responsibilities and production?
I believe we are!
I know from my focus on burnout and compassion fatigue that avoiding working through the darkness and pain can have huge consequences for our emotional, mental, and physical health. What do you see happening if we don’t feel and release the darkness?
If we don’t allow ourselves to experience these shadow moments, they will slowly over time build up to much worse feelings. Feelings that will be harder to release. Feelings that can turn into longer-term depression or anxiety.
When these thoughts come to us say hello, invite them in and sit with them. But remember the 24-hour guideline. Know that once you have rested and fed your spirit YOU will be back feeling more positive and ready for what the new day will bring.
I spend most of my days counteracting the negative with positives. Things said, thoughts or actions taken. But what we should never do to ourselves is forget about the parts inside of us that still linger no matter how hard we counteract them. The parts that are yearning to be acknowledged and embraced. We cannot heal what we have not first embraced.
How do we know when it’s time to embrace the healing?
So, when you feel that heaviness, plan for its acceptance. Invite it to stay while you spend your 24 hours listening to its call. While you indulge with tools that help you relax. Discover what those are for you. The things that even when you feel low make you feel comforted.
Everything we feel is REAL to us. Pretending it isn’t only leads to more confusion, hurt and pain. Love yourself enough to allow all that you feel to just be…. But remember….. you’ve only got 24 hours… The clock is ticking… So make every wallowing hour count because tomorrow will be a new day full of blessings and answers and renewed hope. Let us journey on together, embracing all that makes us fabulous.
Jennifer is available for virtual sessions. Check out her web site and book a session that will heal – body, mind, and soul!
Struggling with life, with work, with being? 