Emotions-Clearing Them so You can Change the World

Emotions run high as we stand in the middle of a pandemic, with millions of people unemployed, and the effects of systemic racism bubbling over. Every human being deserves love, FAIR treatment, and dignity, but our country is rigged against human value. People, who I believe are now in the minority, set up the systems and infrastructure that allow this mistreatment to continue. 

We stand at an edge, and we have been here before. In the past, we ran back to the middle, too afraid of losing what we have,  and too afraid of the unknown. No sizable progress will be made if we keep repeating what we have done. 

You must think beyond this moment. History shows us that justice will not be served, so what are you going to do to change that? How are you going to fight for what is right? It is time for each of us to work towards creating the world we want to see. 

There will be no single savior in this story, we must collectively become the savior, and do it together. Each of us plays a different role. Some of us will protest, others will donate to appropriate causes, some volunteer, some provide healing, others will get involved in voting rights and politics, and some will have mind opening conversations with narrow minded people. Only you will know what is your way to step in and help create the world you want to see. 

The Time is Now

We spent too much time trying to not rock the boat. I sometimes ask the question, “What if you had to burn your world to the ground in order to create the life you want?” I do not mean that literally, but everything “is” crumbling, so it seems an opportune moment to create something new instead of trying to patch another hole in a sinking boat. Do you desire to live in a country built for the past, or create one for the future?

In this time of change, we must take care of ourselves and our spirits. Not in the–I choose me over you–way, but in the–I take care of myself so that I may be there with you and for you–way.

We must exhibit kindness, and be gentle with ourselves and each other. We accept that our best today may be different than our best tomorrow, and my best will be different than your best. 

Many of our nervous systems are in a frenzy, and it may feel impossible to move forward. So I offer you some tips in moving the emotions through your body to settle your nervous system. 

First-Get back into your body.

The world at large is more overwhelming, and moving your emotions more difficult, when you are in your head,

I offer this simple trick: Feel your feet. Notice the bottoms of your feet, and what they feel like: the arch, the heel, and each toe. Then notice the tops of your feet. This instantly brings you into your body, and will often calm your mind. 

Second-Name your emotions

Often, when I ask someone to name their emotions, they start telling me a story. I stop them and simply say that is not an emotion. Emotions are usually one word: frustrated, irritated, gloomy, distraught, terrified, timid, overwhelmed, shame, guilty, joyful, loving, exuberant, etc. Click here to access a large list of emotions.

Practice this all the time. Stop several times a day, and name the emotions you feel. Say them out loud 5-10 times, or in your head if out loud is not appropriate. Often, acknowledging the emotion moves it. 

Anger and anxiety are secondary emotions, and often the result of stuffed feelings bubbling to the surface. When anxiety and anger come up, dig deeper to name the stuffed emotions, and you will likely find something like shame, guilt, fear, or sadness. 

Third-Discharge your emotions

Imagine every time you experience an emotion your body forms a rock, and once it forms you must release it or carry it. How many rocks are you carrying? How many times have you held in your sadness, anger, fear, or even your happiness? 

Stressful emotions and traumatic events create many rocks at once and require more effort to release. Deep breathing, crying, and moving the body release stress emotions. If you are angry, find something soft to punch. I use the back of my couch, and if I am having a stressful telephone conversation I shake my loose hand wildly to move the emotions through, but you might dip into the bathroom and shake your whole body.

Have you ever watched nature shows? Did you notice the herd of antelopes shaking their body once they reached safety after the lion chased them down? This releases the emotions stirred up from the fight or flight response.

Click here to see how an impala releases the emotions of a traumatic event. The video skips the chase (fight or flight) and starts with the freeze response (notice how it doesn’t seem to be breathing). Part way in, you see the impala begin to take deep breaths, and eventually shake off the trauma.   

Click here and start at 1:08 to see a polar bear shake off stressful emotions. 

Finding the best way to move YOUR emotions supports your nervous system and facilitates greater peace of mind. 

If you struggle with this, I am offering free short sessions to support you in moving your emotions. Contact me here and let me know what you are struggling with.  

If you are interested in having an opening conversation about working with me schedule that here. 

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