Negative Emotions

Relationships

Question: I’ve been on a spiritual path for many years and do not understand why I still experience negative emotions.

Answer: There’s a common illusion that spiritually evolved, loving people never have any negativity, as though they are already angelic.  They get annoyed that they still have negative feelings, and then it’s compounded by their guilt and self-frustration.  They have to realize that feelings are transitory, whereas their intention to evolve remains constant.  Let go of feeling guilty that you are still just an ordinary human despite your angelic ambitions! Having compassion towards your innate humanness, its nervous system, and the brain function that goes with it allows for greater equanimity.  Heavenly ambitions do not necessarily make us angels!

From Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, ch. 21, pg. 320