Allowing emotion is one of the hardest things to do for most of us. We are taught as children, that emotion is something to be feared and hidden. Don’t cry. Don’t stamp your feet. Often we are even told to tone down positive feelings for fear of appearing like a braggart.
The truth is that emotion isn’t something to be feared. Even intense emotion can’t harm you. It’s how we interpret these feelings that can cause terror. When we define anything as “good” or “bad” suddenly they take on a whole new meaning. Interestingly enough, when we give ourselves permission to feel an emotion, it passes much more quickly.
- In a comfortable position, eyes open or shut (whatever you are comfortable with) breathe deeply and slowly from your abdomen.
- Think about a situation that happened today that made you feel angry, sad, or anxious.
- Where in your body do you feel that emotion? Is your breathing shallow? Are your neck muscles tense? Do you feel a lump in the pit of your stomach?
- Allow whatever experience you are having. Remind yourself that you are safe. Even intense emotions are still just emotions. Send yourself a little white light or unconditional love if the experience becomes overwhelming.
- Sit in that emotion. Let it flow over you and immerse you like water. Continue doing so, until the feeling has passed.
