I was in the pit: It felt like a claw reaching up to pull me back down.

A few weeks ago, something unexpected happened: the practices I usually rely on to feel better weren’t working as well as usual.

I felt out of my comfort zone.
I could sense I was upgrading—but the change felt hard and uncomfortable, and I wasn’t fully open to receiving it yet.

I tried using my tools to shift into a higher-vibe state, because like most people, I wanted to feel good. But this time, they weren’t fully helping.

My teacher used to say our goal is to feel good 51% of the time.
I’ve always aimed higher—closer to 95% or even 99%.
But life can be lifey, and that isn’t always realistic.

I also know that challenges often come with growth.

My wise friend Tina reminded me that when we’re in “the pit,” an emotional dip, sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is simply pause—sit with it, breathe, and listen.

She said that sometimes a dip is meant to slow us down. To bring us back to presence.
It’s a liminal space with real potential for insight and healing.

So rather than trying to override the discomfort, I gave myself grace.
I became curious and asked myself: 

What is this “in the pit” moment trying to tell me?
What can I learn?
What does my body need?

From there, I focused on rest, recuperation, and recreation.
Yes, fun and ease can lead to healing.

I gave myself and my “dip” patience and gentle support—breathwork, time in nature, fresh air, and allowed myself to feel my feelings.
To be present. To be mindful.

When I finally relaxed, released the pressure to control my emotions, and gave myself permission to simply be, something softened.

That tight internal grip, the claw that was pulling me down, dissipated.

I took a day off to meditate, talk with friends, and walk on the beach.
And that ended up being enough.
My natural sense of joy returned, and it felt deeply comforting to come home to myself again.

Then something beautiful happened: I found all these treasures within a few minutes.

I laughed out loud each time I spotted a sand dollar.
It’s rare to find them at this beach, so it felt like the universe heard me and immediately responded with what felt like magic.

The tools did work.
I just needed to remember to pause and simply be.

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If you find yourself in a difficult season, an emotional dip, or “in the pit,” I hope you remember this:

You do not always have to force yourself out.

Sometimes being in the pit is the universe's invitation to slow down, listen more deeply, and return to yourself with compassion and grace.

And often, when we do, lightness and joy finds its way back in.