Overcoming Sadness

Sadness can significantly impact the nervous system, brain chemistry, and bodily functions. So in an attempt to aid with your mastery work, let's see if we can summarise the impact of this particular emotion.  I have cobbled together an holistic overview of sadness,  so you understand the associated organs and meridians, and can look at techniques to alleviate its effects.

Sadness activates various regions in the brain, particularly the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These areas are responsible for emotional regulation, memory processing, and decision-making.

The Amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions. When activated by sadness, it can lead to general heightened emotional responses and stress. Everything begins to feel huge and overwhelming. The Hippocampus which is involved in forming new memories and emotional regulation, can shrink under the stress of sadness, leading to memory issues and mood disorders. The Prefrontal Cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and moderating social behaviour, and other functions linked to what we understand as personality, can be impaired by Sadness, leading to us feeling like planning and problem-solving are not within reach.

When we are sad there is an associated reduction in our neurotransmitter chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.  This is also the case when we are in states like depression, and affects our moods and cognitive functions. We can't think straight.

When we are sad, our cardiovascular system may get compromised and this may increase the risk of heart disease, because the weight of sadness tends to elevate our blood pressure and heart rate.  It can also impact our Immune System. Chronic sadness or depression can weaken the immune response, making us more susceptible to illnesses. When our sadness becomes prolonged, this can disrupt our hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which is an indicator of stress.

In Taoist Philosophy, emotions are believed to be closely connected to the body's organs and meridians and the 5 elements. Sadness is primarily associated with the lungs and the heart. Sadness (or grief) is related to the Metal (Air) element, which itself is associated with the lungs and large intestine. Joy, which is considered the opposite of sadness, is associated with the Fire element, and is linked to the heart and small intestine. 

Lung Qi is used to make boundaries between the inner and the outer world. A clear boundary is established to defend and define a person. The Lung system controls Boundaries (Skin), Breathing (Respiratory System) and Renewal (Colon). This also works beyond the physical, impacting our metaphysical arena. The Lung is primarily responsible for physical vitality and is said to govern Qi energy in the body. Lung Qi is affected by sadness, so prolonged episodes of sadness can lead to a deficiency in lung Qi, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Metaphysically impacting our sense of who we are, our energetic boundaries and receptivity to spirit.

The heart is considered the "Emperor" of all organs and governs blood and the mind. Excessive sadness can disturb the heart, leading to insomnia, palpitations, and mental restlessness. The heart controls the health and vitality of the blood vessels, and also controls sweating, the tongue and speech. It is said to house our Spirit (shen). The Shen encompasses consciousness, the emotions, mental acuity and thought, as well as the ability to process incoming sensory information. Prolonged emotional upheaval, mental illness, personality disorders, emotional imbalance, processing disorders and sensory disorders all are manifestations of a disturbed, ungrounded or weakened Shen.  

So Sadness disturbs the home of our spirit and disrupts our ability to establish our sense of who we are, our purpose, communicate our truth, and defend our personal energetic space!

Meridians and Meridian Points for Sadness

Lung Meridian (LU)

The lung meridian plays a crucial role in managing sadness. Applying pressure or using needles on specific meridian points can help alleviate sadness:

LU1 (Central Palace): Located below the clavicle, it helps relieve chest congestion and sadness.

LU7 (Broken Sequence): Found above the wrist, it aids in releasing pent-up emotions and strengthening the lungs.

Massaging these points can strengthen lung Qi and release grief.

Heart Meridian (HT)

The heart meridian is essential for emotional balance. Key points include:

HT7 (Spirit Gate): Located on the wrist, it is known as the "Spirit Gate" and helps calm the mind and alleviate sadness.

HT3 (Lesser Sea): Found at the elbow, it helps clear heat and calm the spirit.

Stimulating these points can calm the mind and balance emotions.

Colours That Help Alleviate Sadness

The transformative effects of colour can be used to alter our emotions and psychological states. There are a myriad of colours that help alleviate sadness and promote a sense of well-being: 

• Blue, often associated with calmness and serenity, can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Light blues, like sky blue, can be particularly soothing, while deeper blues can promote a sense of stability and trust.
• Green, being the colour of nature, is associated with renewal and growth. It can help rejuvenate the mind and body. Green is considered a balancing colour that harmonises emotions, making it effective for relieving sadness and fostering a sense of calm.
• Yellow is associated with sunlight and warmth. It can boost energy levels, improve mood, and stimulate positive thinking. While bright yellow can be uplifting, too much of it can lead to feelings of agitation. Softer, pastel yellows are often more soothing.
• Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is a warm, inviting colour that can lift our spirits and promote a sense of fun and enthusiasm. Orange is also known to stimulate social interactions, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and sadness.
• Pink is often associated with love, compassion, and nurturing. It can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, helping to soothe sadness. Soft pinks are particularly effective in calming an environment.
• Purple is often linked to spirituality and creativity. It provides a sense of peace and tranquility. It combines the stability of blue and the energy of red, making it a balanced colour that can help alleviate emotional turmoil.
• White is associated with purity, cleanliness, and clarity. It can create a sense of space and openness, which can be mentally refreshing and help clear away negative emotions. White can be a good backdrop to highlight other colours that can uplift mood.

Exercise Helps with Sadness

We all feel much better after a good work out, and it's effects improves our mental health and helps alleviate any sad feelings. The benefits of exercise extend beyond physical health, significantly impacting emotional and psychological well-being:

• Release of Endorphins.  Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins - the neurotransmitters known for their ability to reduce pain and induce feelings of pleasure and euphoria. This natural "high" can help counteract feelings of sadness. The endorphin boost during and after exercise provides immediate relief from sadness, improving mood and creating a sense of well-being. 
• Reduction of Stress Hormones. Physical activity reduces cortisol levels , which if left high, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and sadness. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy hormonal balance, which aids emotional stability and reduces the symptoms of sadness.
• Improved Sleep. Exercise improves sleep patterns, helping us fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Adequate rest is essential for emotional regulation and overall mental health. Regular physical activity can alleviate insomnia, a common issue associated with sadness and depression, thereby helping to restore energy levels and mood. 
• Enhanced Brain Function. Exercise promotes the growth of new neurons in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus (the area associated with memory and emotional regulation). This is known as neurogenesis and it can improve cognitive function and emotional resilience. Physical activity enhances brain plasticity, allowing for better adaptability and coping mechanisms in response to stress and sadness.
• Distraction and Focus. Engaging in physical actually distracts us from negative thoughts and feelings, providing a mental break and reducing the focus on sadness. It can enhance concentration and mental clarity, making it easier to manage daily tasks and reducing the mental burden of sadness.
• Boosting Self-Esteem. Achieving fitness goals, whether small or large, can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. This positive reinforcement can counteract feelings of sadness and improve overall mood. Regular exercise can lead to improvements in physical appearance and fitness, which can enhance body image and self-confidence.
• Biological Rhythms. Exercise can help regulate circadian rhythms, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Consistent sleep patterns are essential for emotional stability and reducing sadness.

Spiritual causes of Sadness

You will be well aware by now that everything that is physical, has it's origin in the metaphysical.  Sadness can arise from various existential causes:

• Disconnection from Self - or disconnection from one's true self or authentic being. When we stray from our core values, passions, and purpose, we may experience a profound sense of sadness. Suppressing one's inner voice or intuition can result in feeling lost or unfulfilled, resulting in sadness. 
• Lack of Purpose and Meaning. A lack of purpose or meaning in life can create an existential void, leading to feelings of emptiness and sadness. This is often called an existential crisis. When we don't pursue our potential or life goals, we may begin to feel a sense of stagnation and sadness. 
• Disconnection from Others. In truth we are connected in some way to all beings. Feeling isolated or disconnected from others will create a sense of loneliness and sadness. The absence of a supportive community or social network will exacerbate feelings of sadness.
• Unresolved Past Experiences. In many spiritual traditions, unresolved past experiences or karmic debts can manifest as emotional disturbances. These unresolved issues need to be acknowledged and healed. Carrying over emotional baggage from past relationships or experiences can weigh heavily on the spirit, leading to persistent sadness.
• Spiritual Awakening and Growth. Spiritual growth often involves a period of deep introspection and transformation, sometimes referred to as the "dark night of the soul." This period can be marked by intense sadness as one sheds old beliefs and identities to embrace higher consciousness. The process of spiritual awakening and transformation can be painful and unsettling, leading to temporary feelings of sadness and confusion. 
• Disconnection from Nature. Earthing has become quite vogue these days, as virtually everyone including laymen understands our connection to nature. When we disconnect from the natural world, this will throw our system out of balance and results in feeling loss. Spending less time in nature and more in artificial environments will disrupt the natural harmony and flow of spiritual vitality.
• Spiritual Energetic Imbalances. Imbalances in the chakras can lead to emotional disturbances. For instance, an imbalance in the heart chakra can cause feelings of sadness and grief. The stagnation of Qi can lead to emotional imbalances, therefore, ensuring the free flow of Qi is essential for emotional well-being.

Tips for Addressing the Spiritual Causes of Sadness

• Reconnect with Self. Meditation and mindfulness activities can help us reconnect with our core self and inner wisdom, fostering a sense of peace and clarity. Reflective journaling can help explore and articulate one's thoughts, feelings, and aspirations, aiding the reconnection with our authentic selves.
• Find Purpose and Meaning. Engage in activities that promote self-discovery, such as retreats, workshops, or spiritual counselling. Identify and set intentions aligned with one's core values and passions to create a sense of purpose and direction.
• Building Connections. Join groups or communities that share similar spiritual or personal interests to foster a sense of belonging and support. Engaging in acts of kindness and service can help build connections with others and create a sense of fulfilment.
• Heal Past Experiences. Seek therapies that address past traumas and emotional wounds, such as family constellations, energy clearing, or hypnosis. Practice forgiveness, both of oneself and others, to release emotional baggage and karmic debt.
• Embrace Spiritual Growth. Embrace periods of sadness as part of the spiritual growth process, understanding that they can lead to greater awareness and transformation. Seek guidance from spiritual mentors, teachers, or texts to navigate through challenging spiritual experiences.
• Reconnect with Nature. Spend time in natural settings, such as forests, mountains, or by the sea, to ground oneself and reconnect with Earth Mother. Incorporate nature-based spiritual practices, such as nature meditation, walking barefoot (earthing), or forest bathing.
• Balancing Spiritual Energy. Engage in practices that balance the chakras, such as yoga, Reiki, or sound healing. Practice Qi Gong or Tai Chi to ensure the free flow of Qi and balance the body's energy.

Emotional Mastery Qigong Series takes these benefits one step further to specifically and mindfully address a number of emotions to rid them or harmonise the energies holding those emotions in the vital organs.  The Series is also available on-demand: Emotional Mastery ONDEMAND. Both online and in-person participants will have access to the online series including workshops and blogs to help with integration and deepening of the work.