FEATURE — Emotions have been described as the language of the soul. Unfortunately, sometimes this language is garbled gibberish, making it hard to know how to take action. Sometimes emotions are whiny and complaining and repeat themselves over and over in your mind. But most of the time, emotions get pushed out of the way where they fester in the body and eventually create discomfort and illness.
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In reality, emotions are your best teachers, and if listened to and heeded, they may bring about amazing healing experiences. Below are several self-talk ideas – followed by a practical application – that might help you through a rough time.
Recognize that something is off.
Notice where you feel discomfort in your body: sore back? tight hips? achy knees? Physical discomfort is the body’s way of communicating with you that something needs attention, and often, it will be on the emotional level.
Validate the emotion.
Literally name the emotion out loud. This is so important! Many times, this second step is where an emotion will actually resolve itself as the brain emits a soothing neurotransmitter to calm and soothe the body. Your feelings really do want to be acknowledged, and sometimes, that is all that is needed!
Ask yourself targeted questions.
This will allow the subconscious programming to get to the root of your concern faster. Avoid self-judgment for best results. The subconscious mind stores and retrieves your “emotional programming,” including habits and patterns of thinking. To pull up the roots of negative thinking, asking questions is key to accessing this part of your mind.
Speak.
Declare the desired affirmation or positive statement that resonates with you to reprogram these subconscious limiting beliefs. Use your voice, and declare these out loud several times per day until you notice a change in your thinking patterns. The subconscious mind is like a blank dry-erase board, and it believes whatever you write on it. Your words are important, so take care to choose what you really want to feel.
Here is an example of how I might put these four steps to work:
Something’s wrong. I notice that my hands are clenched and my shoulders are tight and hunched.
I feel out of control.
What am I trying to control? Am I taking on responsibility for someone else’s actions? What am I afraid of? Do I have a need to be perfect?
I no longer need to expect perfection. I can accept things the way they are for now. I let go of the things I can’t control. I see that this will all work out.
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You may need to repeat the questions and the affirmations (positive statements) several times before you notice your body start to relax. Breathe. Repeat the positive statements again. Wait for an impression, especially if you feel something is missing. Inspiration almost always comes when the mind is relaxed and calm.
To complete the exercise, envision the chaos removed from around your body. Feel a flow of ordered energy and light enter your body from the crown of your head through the bottom of your feet.
If you are able, physical movement is a highly effective way to remove clutter from the mind and heart and to do away with tension in the body. I have always said that if I could go for a morning walk each day, I would never need a therapist; so far so good!
If you aren’t able to get up and move about easily, try moving whatever body parts you can, even as you sit in a chair or lie in a bed. Wiggle your toes; circle your feet, hands, head. And most importantly, inhale big, deep breaths. Do this until you feel calm.
Emotions can get in the way or get you on the way. – Mavis Mazhura
Emotions come and emotions go. You don’t need to hang onto painful ones, but remember that they are your teachers! They are teaching you what you care about, where you need to improve, where you have conflict and where you need to let go. Once you have processed your emotions, remember to offer gratitude for what you’ve learned.
Follow these steps each time emotions start to overwhelm you, knowing that you are strengthening that part of you that knows how to heal. Now is your chance to talk to your heart’s content without annoying anyone!
Written by BRIGIT ATKIN, owner of BrightWorks by Brigit.
This article was originally published in the November/December 2023 issue of St. George Health and Wellness magazine.
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