I will feel everything while holding on to nothing
Healthy emotional expression is an ongoing struggle for me. My tendency is to hold on to certain emotions by choosing not to express them. Anger, sadness, fear, and loneliness are probably my big four. I define those emotions in negative terms and that is part of why I keep them to myself.
One of the ways I can change this is to start thinking about my emotions differently. Anger can teach me what's important to myself, it can also be an expression of self-worth when my boundaries have been violated. The tears of sadness can be cleansing and allow me to mourn loss and move on. If I allow myself to feel these emotions I can start to let them go. If I hold on to them by not expressing them in healthy ways anger can morph into bitterness, and sadness may lead me into a feeling of despair or hopelessness. Even an emotion I define in more positive terms like happiness can trap me in the past if I try to hold on to it and focus on what was, instead of what is.
I have more work to do in this part of my journey. For today I will be present through all my experiences, let my feelings flow through me, and then release them.
I like the idea you present that our emotions aren't necessarily right or wrong, good or bad. They are things we experience. They can give us clues as to what is happening in our world that we need to honor and pay attention too.
ReplyDeleteIt is a work in progress for me to pay attention to the emotions I am practiced in avoiding. When I do not pay attention to them it is at my own peril. Thanks for the insight Jackie.
DeleteWell brother it might not be a shock to you, but I am great at showing my emotions, so if you need any help I'll be there to throw rocks with you. hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks sis :)
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