In honour of the recent fires rolling across Los Angeles I wanted to share a higher thought on how we can allow our emotions to guide us when faced with extraordinary events.
If you’ve ever read the Bible, you’ll know that challenge and hardship is a theme written on nearly every page. A reality echoed across all spiritual traditions. As Buddhism teaches, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional” points to this fundamental truth. Even though the concept may seem straightforward, its application is still wildly misapplied and definitely misunderstood.
In tough times I agree the mental damage we do to ourselves often far exceeds that of actual events. As Hamlet said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” When it comes to the direct experience of disaster, crisis or trauma, there are many who are yet to reach the level of awareness required to know when to apply this thinking to themselves.
Compounding this, in times of catastrophic events we often encounter toxic positivity—the well-meaning but often shallow platitudes offered to avoid the discomfort of sitting with another’s pain. (Which I acknowledge is often a very hard thing to do.) This can create confusion, frustration, and even a sense of isolation for those whose lives are seemingly still out of control.
Humanity has much to learn about emotions. What they are, the purpose they serve, and, ultimately, how to respond to them with compassion and grace.
We need to be reminded that our emotions are what make us human and give real meaning and purpose to our lives. They remind us of what we love, what we value, and how interconnected we truly are. When we face the rawness of grief, fear, or loss, it is an act of courage to allow those feelings to surface, to be acknowledged, and to hopefully be understood.
I hope this week’s message offers you a gentle perspective and some practical tools to help you and others embrace higher awareness and thinking during emotionally challenging times.
Now more than ever we are all in this together.
Onwards,

One Higher Thought
Emotions Are Messengers
Every emotion carries a message. Grief points to love and what we’ve lost. Fear highlights where we feel uncertain or vulnerable and anger reveals boundaries that may need to be respected, released or restored.
When we suppress or ignore emotions, we miss the lessons they offer. Instead of resisting them, what if we allowed ourselves to listen and embrace? What if we treated emotions not as obstacles but as guides, showing us what they truly represent; what matters most?
Remember emotions are what makes us human. The ability to feel all. When we embrace them with curiosity and compassion, we open ourselves to healing and ultimately the opportunity to transform.
And with that comes the chance to experience real inner growth.
One Higher Quote
As Washington Irving said, “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”
Reflect: Then consider sharing this thought with others.
How can you honour your own or another’s emotion today?
Two Higher Questions
Coming into harmony with your emotions take practice.
This week ask yourself these Two Higher Questions.
1. What emotion am I resisting right now, and why?
2. How can I respond to this emotion with curiosity rather than judgment?
Recommended: Use these as journaling prompts for the week ahead.
Three Higher Actions
1. Pause and Name Your Emotions
When emotions arise, take a moment to name them. Simply identifying what you’re feeling—whether it’s sadness, frustration, or fear—can be profoundly grounding.
2. Create Space for Stillness
Dedicate five minutes each day to sit in silence and check in with your emotional state. This practice will help you build emotional awareness over time.
3. Release the Need to “Fix”
When a friend or loved one expresses their emotions, resist the urge to offer solutions or platitudes. Instead, simply listen. Respond with empathy, such as: “I hear you, and I’m here for you.”
Your Higher Life
What would change in your life if you fully embraced your emotions rather than resisting or avoiding them?
Remember: Emotions are teachers, not enemies.
They offer wisdom and clarity. We just need to be brave enough to listen before we respond or reply.
As always, send your Higher Thoughts to me by simply replying to this email.
Until next week,

P.S. Don’t underestimate the power of sitting with your emotions. This kind of awareness can transform not just your inner world, but your outer reality as well. Tune into the truth of this and invite in Higher Thinking.
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