[Haftdrarp]

Hello Y'all:
Thanks to all for such thoughtful posts. I've re-read them all several times, and will do so again.
In this early stage of my practice, I have found that dealing with my emotions to be difficult. That Cajun side of me is quite passionate, .
I find that my mind has a tendency to frame the Buddhist teachings on one's emotions as edicts to not feel anything. I know this isn't true, but that false idea keeps rearing it's ugly head.
I will continue to sit. Again, I will re-read y'all's fine posts, hoping to incorporate the teachings y'all have shared.
Metta to all,
Bill

[shenacatro]

Many good wishes to you, Bill dear.

[giftbestcom]

Thank you, Aloka.

[ElenaEvgeevna]

Freedom in Buddhism is not freedom from emotions; it is freedom from complicating them

That is beautiful! I wrote it down in my journal!

Emotions have always been a tough point for me. I just plain haven't always dealt with them well - either over reacting or shutting them off or simply not being able to distinguish one from another. It's something I've worked on very diligently. To deny your emotions is just as delusional as to get overly attached to them, IMHO. It's just flip sides of the same coin. I try to recognize, label and accept whatever I'm feeling and then be done with it. Sometimes I may sit in sadness longer than I want to - or sometimes maybe I want to. Then I try (and usually don't succeed - but I try) not to judge myself for feeling that way. It is what it is. No more and no less.