Meeting Difficult Emotions

​A free live teaching and guided practice with Peter McEwen

​When a difficult emotion arises, the physical experience is often immediate. Then we explain, defend, withdraw, rehearse the argument, or reach for something that might make the feeling go away. These responses are attempts to take care of ourselves, but some may be habits formed long ago that no longer fit our present circumstances.

​In this 90-minute session, Peter will teach practical methods for meeting difficult emotions through body, breath, unconditional kindness, and attention. The session includes guided practice and time for questions.

​You’ll learn how to:

• ​Recognize patterns of avoidance and reactivity

• ​Return to immediate, sensation-level experience

• ​Meet intensity for a few seconds at a time, resting or stepping back when needed

• ​Give feelings space without demanding resolution

• ​Discover whether an immediate response is needed or if we can sit with our vulnerability and consciously decide the best path forward.⁠

​This practice builds the capacity to remain intimate with vulnerability and contradiction as they appear in ordinary life.

​The companion essay, “A Simple Practice for Meeting and Metabolizing Difficult Emotions,” provides the complete written instructions and commentary.

​Free to attend. No previous experience with The Field is required. This practice is intended for people who have enough stability and support to approach difficult feelings with curiosity. If you are currently in crisis or experiencing severe mental health symptoms, please work with a qualified professional before attempting these methods.