Life these days can feel overwhelming, can’t it? Between the constant stream of news, personal stresses, and everything else, it’s easy to feel like we’re drowning in the noise. That’s where this amazing little practice from Abraham-Hicks comes in—Stepping into the Shade.
Whether you’re totally new to Abraham’s teachings or you’ve been following them for a while, this concept can offer real, lasting relief. It’s a simple yet profound way to help you shift focus, calm down, and realign with your inner well-being, especially when everything feels too intense. And no, it’s not about ignoring problems—it’s about handling them with more peace.
What is “Stepping Into the Shade”?
Think of this like being outside on a scorching summer day. You’re hot, uncomfortable, and the sun is relentless. Now, imagine stepping into the cool, refreshing shade. The sun’s still there, but you’re not getting blasted by it anymore. You’re in a space where you can breathe easier. That’s what Stepping into the Shade is on an emotional level.
This practice is about recognizing when you’re stuck in a negative loop—when the “heat” of your emotions is getting too intense—and consciously shifting to a place that feels better. It’s a gentle, loving act of self-care that gives you space to recalibrate.
Right now, the world is buzzing with chaos. Between social injustice, political debates, and everything in between, it’s easy to get swept up in the negativity. But here’s the good news: while we can’t always change what’s happening around us, we can absolutely choose how we respond to it. That’s where Stepping into the Shade becomes your emotional life-saver.
Why It’s Not Avoidance
I get it—when you hear “stepping into the shade,” it might sound like we’re suggesting you just ignore the tough stuff. But it’s really not that at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Here’s the thing: when we’re focused solely on what’s wrong—whether it’s the state of the world or something personal—our energy is tied up in frustration, anger, or fear. We’re trying to “fix” things from a place of resistance, and that rarely gets us anywhere.
Stepping into the Shade isn’t about pretending problems don’t exist. It’s about giving yourself the space to realign with your well-being, so that when you do face those challenges, you can handle them from a place of strength, clarity, and calm. It’s like saying, “I need a moment to catch my breath before I dive back in.”
How to Start “Stepping Into the Shade”
So, how do you actually do this? It’s easier than you might think—and the more you practice it, the more natural it feels.
- Recognize when you’re feeling “the heat”
Pay attention to how you’re feeling when you’re scrolling social media, watching the news, or even having a tough conversation. If your emotions are getting too intense, that’s a sign you’re standing in the emotional sun. - Pause and take a breath
Sometimes all it takes is a deep breath and a quick pause to break the cycle. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind and emotions. - Shift your focus to something that feels better
This can be something small—a memory that makes you smile, a few minutes of fresh air, or even just looking around for something beautiful. The idea is to step into the shade emotionally by focusing on relief, even if it’s just for a few moments. - Set boundaries when needed
Sometimes, the best way to step into the shade is to step back from what’s causing the emotional heat. This could mean turning off the news, stepping away from social media, or excusing yourself from a conversation. It’s not about shutting down forever—it’s about protecting your peace when you need to.
Why Emotional Relief Leads to More Clarity (and Manifestations!)
Here’s where the magic happens: when you step into the shade and find emotional relief, you’re realigning with your inner self. And when you’re aligned, you’re open to solutions, ideas, and even those little nudges from the universe that help you move forward.
It’s hard to get anything done when you’re stuck in a state of overwhelm. Whether it’s a global issue or something closer to home, being in the “heat” of negative emotions blocks the flow of well-being. But when you take that step into emotional shade, you soften the resistance. You open the door for clarity and, often, the very answers you’ve been seeking.
This isn’t just about feeling better in the moment (although that’s a big part of it!). It’s about creating space for new perspectives and inspired action. It’s the difference between reacting to life’s challenges and responding to them with grace.
How to Use This Practice in Your Life Today
Look, we’re all dealing with something. Maybe it’s the stress of everyday life, or maybe it’s the larger, overwhelming feeling of watching the world struggle. Stepping into the Shade gives you a way to manage all that.
Here’s what you can do today:
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news or social media: Take a break. Turn it off, step outside, and focus on something peaceful. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, you’ll notice the shift.
- If you’re in the middle of a difficult conversation: Give yourself permission to pause. Step back emotionally and take a moment to focus on something that feels lighter. Then, come back when you’re ready, from a more balanced place.
- If you’re stressed about personal challenges: Instead of staying in the “heat” of worry, use Stepping into the Shade to shift your focus. Maybe take a walk, listen to some calming music, or simply sit in a quiet space and breathe. Notice how relief opens you up to new ideas and possibilities.
Stepping into the Shade Deep Dive Podcast
Just Something to Think About…
Life can feel intense sometimes, but the beauty is that we always have the power to choose how we respond. Stepping into the Shade is your way of saying, “I’m going to take care of myself first, so I can come back to this with more clarity.” It’s not avoidance—it’s choosing alignment, and from that place, everything else starts to flow.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this practice. Have you tried it? What has your experience been like? Let’s chat in the comments, or feel free to reach out. We’re all in this together, learning to navigate life with a little more peace.