Sitting with Discomfort

“Feelings are much like waves. We can't stop them from coming, but we can choose which ones to surf.” — Jonatan Martensson

Sitting with Discomfort

Ever felt the urge to fix your pain right away? To distract, numb, or rush to feel “okay” again?

If yes — you’re human.

But sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is… nothing.

Just sit. Breathe. And be with what hurts.

This is a story about honoring discomfort — not avoiding it.

Why We Resist Discomfort

We live in a world of quick fixes: Fast food, faster replies, and even faster coping strategies. We're taught to escape sadness, cover anxiety, and “get over” heartbreak.

But emotional pain isn’t a problem to solve —It’s a signal to listen to.

What Happens When We Sit With It

When you stop running from discomfort:

• You understand its message

  Maybe it’s telling you what needs healing.

• You stop adding guilt on top of pain

  There’s no shame in not being okay.

• You build emotional strength from within

  Because surviving isn’t the same as healing — presence is.

  
  

How to Sit With Discomfort (Gently)

1. Name It Without Judgment

“I’m feeling anxious.” “I’m lonely.” Naming your emotion helps reduce its power.

2. Create a Safe Space for Feeling

Find a quiet spot. Journal. Cry. You’re allowed to feel it all.

3. Breathe Into the Pain

No need to fix it. Just breathe. Let the waves rise and fall — like the ocean.

4. Don’t Rush the Lesson

Discomfort often brings wisdom. But only if we’re willing to listen.

What You Discover in Stillness

• You're stronger than you think.

• Emotions are temporary, not permanent.

• Pain has purpose — and it can transform.

You begin to understand: Discomfort isn’t the end of you. It’s the beginning of your deeper self.

Sitting with pain isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. You’re not broken for feeling deeply. You’re awake, alive, and becoming something softer, fuller, and more human.

So if today feels heavy — don’t rush to escape it. Sit with it. Honor it. And trust: this moment won’t last forever. But your growth from it will.