How much can you hold?

Do you ever feel fragile?

Moments in your day or life where everything just feels a bit too much.
Your body tells you to rest… but You don’t have time for that.
The tears are close but you manage to push them back.
Every tiny bump in the road feels like it could lead to a crash.

I feel it too. Not so often as I used to.
But still, frequently enough to ponder how to handle it.

And what if I tell you that “fragile”, is a very bad word to
describe this emotional and overwhelming state.

There is a better word. One that provides some guidance and direction.

First off, what does saturated mean?

The atmosphere can be saturated when it can’t hold any more moisture.
Or a cup of tea that cannot dissolve anymore sugar.

In short, something is saturated when it is:
completely filled with something so that no more can be added.

Can you see how that can apply to you, when you feel overwhelmed?

You are filled to the brim and you can’t handle anything else.

And when you reach that point, you either need to cry,
or calm down and let the emotions evaporate.

Both of these things are hard at times.

Being aware that you are close to saturation means that you are sensitive for further input.
That you need to empty yourself before filling it up with something new.

Saying that you are fragile, doesn’t provide any guidance.

When something is fragile and brittle, the first thought that comes to mind is
“don’t touch it”. Just let it be, and it won’t break.

There is no direction. If you have been worn down by wear and tear, there is nothing
you can do to be “not fragile”. How do you build up your resilience again, if
your first sensation is to look away and not do anything about it?

This is why I would argue that saturated is a much better word to describe the same emotional state.

And there is 2 reasons for this.

Earlier I mentioned two examples of when things are saturated.
The atmosphere and the tea cup.

In both these examples there is a point of saturation… but that point isn’t fixed.
It depends on things like pressure and temperature.

Change the surrounding and the point of saturation changes.

The same is true for you.

Some days, when the pressure is on, you might not be able to hold as much.
When things get heated or when someone is cold to you, you might find yourself
saturated faster or slower than expected.

Your surrounding affects your point of saturation. That isn’t true if you are fragile.

The concept of saturation provides you with a framework to explore and reinforce.

From a fragile perspective where things can’t be touched, you suddenly find yourself
in a situation where you can practice. Experiment. Learn. Grow.

And the most important aspect to consider:
“How do I desaturate myself?”

If you ask me what has gotten me through rough periods of my life, one thing keeps coming back. Music.

No, I sadly can’t play any instrument (yet).
No, I have never been in a band and I sing mainly for myself.

I listen to good music and what “good” means depend on how I feel.
Music is the language of emotions.

What desaturates me is music.
I have songs that help me balance my emotions.

Does that work for everyone? Probably not.
And I cannot tell you what works for you.
You have to figure that out on your own.

But since I have seen what music can do, I end every letter with a music motivation.

Maybe you will discover a new artist.
Maybe you will find yourself letting go.
Maybe you will find a new soundtrack that will follow you on your next walk.

Maybe you will find that you are a lot stronger than you think.

Now dance!

Until next time!
Daniel - The Talking Bridge

Ps. Music Motivation: