How do we get more comfortable with other people? We do this, chiefly by becoming more comfortable with ourselves - that is, with our emotions.

Feelings are just fleeting sensations in our bodies. Any emotional pain or discomfort we feel along with them is generated by the story we are telling ourselves at the same time. But we can change the story. We can ride out the sensations.

Feelings well up, and if given sufficient time and attention, they will subside. They will flow through, and out of us, and we can heal. This is a natural process.

How do we do this? We begin by noticing where the feelings reside within us. Do we have tightness in our stomach? In our chest? In our throat? Our back? As we keep focusing on a sensation, we become aware that it is changing, or moving. We can allow the feeling, and follow it as it weakens and dissipates.

Often, as it goes, realizations come to us. Yes, we really are afraid, or angry, or sad. Yes, that situation is really tough! We can listen to the messages that our bodies carry, hear them, and then consciously release their hold.

We are bigger than anything that happens to us. We are still standing. We are still here, and we'll be here long after the sensations have faded. We can go on.