.png)
I hate emotions, I Don’t Need To Feel! I got An Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be! That used to be my mantra for emotions. I avoided the bad ones and welcomed the good ones. Until I discovered, repression and suppression can lead to depression. Without sadness, how could we appreciate happiness? Without anger, how would we find the motivation and direction to seek satisfaction? Would we truly appreciate connection and understanding without experiencing grief? Just as a compass points us in the right direction, our emotions too, point us in the right direction to connect with our authentic selves, making sure we live in harmony.
Emotions are signals from our deepest, purest, selves, signaling what resonates with us and what doesn’t. Our emotions carry profound messages about our needs, desires, and values. The reason why people often rebuke negative feelings is because we weren't taught how to effectively navigate through them. Emotions 101 should be a thing in schools.
Learning to navigate through (I call them) low emotions, sets us up to walk the path of least resistance. Avoiding my emotions trapped me in an endless pursuit of happiness, leaving me entangled in a web of untouched and unhealed feelings that screamed, kicked, and pleaded to be heard. However, welcoming and addressing my emotions, ignited a powerful shift of inner harmony. I now operate from a place of love.
I tend to ask all of my clients, family, friends, and even myself, How are you feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically? We are not only physical beings, and, to know where you’re headed, you must first understand where you are. The formula for allowing emotions to work in your favor is simple. Remember to: Mindfully Reflect, Extract lessons then Take Action!
1.Be Mindful Mindfulness is the art of observing your present emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It’s a powerful tool on our Batman utility belt that cultivates emotional awareness. · Mindfulness is a judge-free zone where you simply observe without judgment or resistance. Being mindful nurtures acceptance. Through acceptance, we open the door to embracing emotions as a part of us instead of resisting (which causes disconnect and dis-ease). · Observe and pay attention to thoughts accompanying emotions as well as physical sensations.
Our emotions are our inner compass. How you are feeling is a direct indicator of how you’re thinking. Our thoughts directly affect how we feel. So, even if you aren’t consciously aware of why you’re feeling a certain way, your subconscious is.
2.Reflect How often do you evaluate your current emotional and mental state of being? Better yet- how are you feeling right now? Do you dive into your sea of anxiety, excitement, sadness, or anger? Do you really investigate, ask yourself powerful questions and be receptive to answers your intuition may whisper to you? Reflection · Means to think deeply about something, it empowers self-awareness. · Allows you to identify emotional triggers, understand emotional states, and regulate emotions. · Naming and acknowledging emotions allow for the precise identification of specific feelings. Tip: Journaling, sitting in silence, and conversing with others are some ways to practice reflection.
3.Extract lessons After mindfully reflecting, what did you learn? · Extracting lessons builds resilience. It transforms your perspective from life happening to you, into, life happening for you. · Remember, emotions are signals. What are you being directed to? Are being guided to take accountability? Practice patience? Heal? Assert boundaries? Let go? · Emotions can often signal unmet needs, values, or desires. Seek to understand the messages.
4.Take Action! Integrating our learnings into daily practices enhances our wisdom. · After gaining insight and extracting lessons, choose the next step that aligns with peace, resolution, and personal growth. · Consider ways to integrate insights into your thoughts, behaviors, decision-making, and relationships. · Consistency in practice makes the process second nature.
By actively seeking understanding and embracing our feelings, we nurture a healthier emotional landscape. As I conclude, I would like to share one of my favorite poems about emotions.
Comments