Embracing the Flow: Allowing Feelings to Come and Go
Today more than ever before it feels like we’re bombarded with such a fast moving world, news cycle, and constantly changing expectations that it can feel like we’re on an emotional rollercoaster. From joy and excitement to stress and sadness, these feelings ebb and flow like the tides. Many of us have been taught to resist or suppress certain emotions, believing that it's a sign of strength. However, there's immense power in allowing feelings to come and go naturally, like an ocean wave, without resistance.
Trust me I am still learning this skill, because it’s easier said than done. To just welcome fear? or sadness? and let them come without trying to suppress them? I know it seems impossible, but give it a try. There’s tons of research behind this and let’s face it, trying to shut out fear and sandess don’t work so well. They just come back eventually, and with a vengeance.
Understanding Emotions
Emotions are an integral part of the human experience. They serve as our internal compass, guiding us through life's twists and turns. Each emotion has a purpose and provides valuable insights into our inner world. When we understand that emotions are messengers, we can start to appreciate their significance.
The Problem of Emotional Resistance
Emotional resistance occurs when we try to push away or deny what we're feeling. We might tell ourselves that we shouldn't feel a certain way or judge our emotions as "good" or "bad." This resistance often leads to inner turmoil and can manifest in physical and mental health issues.
The Art of Allowing Feelings
Instead of resisting emotions, we can choose to embrace them. This doesn't mean we have to act on every feeling or dwell in negativity or sadness. It means acknowledging what we're feeling without judgment. Like that not so favorite aquaintance of yours, just allow the emotion to be present, and allow it to leave again. By fighting it, or judging it, or trying to label it we’re giving it too much power. By doing so, we create a space for emotional healing and growth.
Benefits of Allowing Feelings
Emotional Release: Allowing emotions to flow freely can be cathartic. It's like clearing out the clutter in your mind and heart, making space for new experiences.
Improved Mental Well-being: When we accept our feelings, we reduce the stress of denying them. This can lead to greater mental resilience and a more positive outlook on life.
Practical Strategies
Mindfulness: Practice being present with your emotions. Observe them without trying to change or judge them. When you feel an emotion pop up, just take a moment to acknowledge it, name it and let it be present. Letting it be present doesn’t mean it will be with you forever, nor does it mean that you want or like that emotion, you’re simply not fighting it.
Journaling: Write down your feelings, this can help you gain clarity and process your emotions. When you have a few minutes in your day write down what happened, when did the emotion pop up, how did it feel? See if you can name the emotion as accurately as possible (so rather than just sadness, was it disappointment? or feeling neglected?). There is immense power in expanding your emotion words. Note how long you felt that way, and if the emotion left, what made the emotion lift? How did it feel to just acknowledge and allow the emotion to be (rather than fighting it)?
Navigating Specific Emotions
Anger: Rather than suppressing anger, find healthy ways to express it, such as through exercise or constructive communication.
Sadness and Grief: Allow yourself to mourn losses and acknowledge sadness. It's a natural part of the healing process.
In a world that often encourages emotional suppression, there's great wisdom in allowing feelings to come and go. Embracing the flow of emotions doesn't make you weak; it makes you resilient. So, the next time you feel something, take a deep breath, and let it wash over you. Remember, it's okay not to resist; it's okay to feel. It's all part of the beautiful tapestry of being human.
