Is It OK to Feel Good When Others Feel Sad?

In short, yes. If indeed our bodies and minds are inclined to feel good at a given time, it’s very important that we do so. In this way we become the light bearers. And, when we’re struggling, others will carry the light on our behalf as well.

One trap I often step into when a loved one is feeling down is that I’ll make the heaviness my own. I’ll feel somehow responsible for their feelings. I’ll rack my brain to find a way that I may have caused or contributed to the pain. It’s perfect fodder for my own wounds and shadows to re-present themselves and see if I’ll grab on.

Funny (not funny) how they keep coming back for more. It’s comforting to know that they actually want something good for me. You see, they’re methods and remedies that I used to rely upon to navigate an uncomfortable situation, and they’re still here wanting to serve me. So I can thank them for this, and I can even allow myself to feel the pain of the past for a bit, thereby generating compassion for myself and how much I have struggled in my own life.

And … I can indeed feel pain on behalf of another momentarily as a tender-hearted human instinct. But it’s very important that I then move on to a place where I know I can feel inspired.

So, yeah. Ouch. And … I’m going to appreciate this beautiful gift of a day.