As a life long seeker of good health and well being, I understand the profound impact that emotions can have on our well-being. We are inherently emotional beings, designed to express and process our feelings openly. However, many of us have learned to suppress and repress our emotions, particularly those considered “negative,” as a means of fitting in and gaining acceptance.
My personal journey mirrors the struggles experienced by countless individuals who have grown up in environments where emotional expression was discouraged or invalidated. In my childhood home, the prevailing belief was that children should be seen and not heard. This lack of emotional validation and support left me feeling invisible, ashamed, and alone. I internalized the message that certain emotions were unacceptable, leading me to bury my pain deep within myself.
The consequences of this emotional suppression became evident as I navigated adulthood and parenthood. Old wounds resurfaced, manifesting as existential pain, anxiety, and depression and eating issues. It was in this pivotal moment that I recognized the need to confront and heal the emotional residue that had accumulated within me over the years. I found true relief I had been searching for in HBLU.
Repression of emotions creates a toxic burden on our bodies, minds, and hearts. Unresolved emotional energy becomes trapped within our organs, muscles, and tissues, leading to chronic health issues, inflammation, and a general imbalance in our overall well-being.
To address this, I advocate a three-step process for processing emotional energy that has become lodged in the body:
Step 1: Identify (self-awareness)
The first step is to cultivate self-awareness and recognize the presence of emotions within ourselves. Muscle testing plays a crucial role here. By definition, we don’t know what we don’t know. Of course, we have blind spots because our conscious mind thinks it can figure things out. What it doesn’t know is that there is a whole wealth of information hidden from it in the unconscious mind. We can use muscle testing to access the unconscious and find previously hidden information. By paying attention to our bodily sensations and asking questions of our own inner wisdom without judgment, we can begin to uncover and heal our emotions.
Practicing self-compassion is key during this stage,
Step 2: Intervene
Determining the right intervention for each issue is essential for processing and releasing trapped emotional energy. Our bodies offer a wealth of information about our physical, emotional and even spiritual states. The goal is to move the energy of our emotions through and out of our bodies, allowing ourselves to let go.
Interventions are simple, take only a few minutes and have profound lasting effects. Engaging in activities that resonate with our emotions, such as crying, physical exertion, artistic expression, or other cathartic practices, also help us release the emotional weight we carry.
Furthermore, journaling serves as a powerful tool for emotional healing. Through writing, we provide a voice to our internal world, gaining clarity and perspective on our feelings and experiences. Journaling can become a safe space for exploration, enabling us to free ourselves from emotional stagnation and move forward.
Step 3: Reset (self-care)
If you have neglected your body and emotions in the past, you must prioritize self-care to realign yourself with our authentic self and promote a sense of well-being.
Taking time for yourself, engaging with nature, indulging in artistic endeavors, practicing meditation, or participating in activities that bring joy and relaxation all contribute to resetting our system and restoring balance. By caring for ourselves holistically, we can awaken to the simple pleasures that nourish our body, mind, and soul.
On my own healing journey, I discovered the therapeutic power of writing as a means of connecting with my inner world and processing long-held emotions. With mindfulness and self-compassion, I allowed my pain to surface, providing it with the care and understanding it had long been denied. Through this process, I not only healed myself but also fostered a deep sense of self-love and acceptance.
It is important to recognize that healing is a process of uncovering and setting things straight. It can be difficult but it’s well worth it.