Emotional Awareness



Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008

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The woman's psyche is almost infinitely complex, made up of layers upon layers of thoughts, experiences and emotions. Dealing with powerful emotions can be challenging especially if life is chaotic, sad and painful. Juggling responsibilities and duties can leave little or no room for emotional introspection. Often, it can seem like there are limited options for dealing with emotions. Releasing feelings out in a direct and instinctive way, or locking them up by suppressing the emotions are some common coping mechanisms when dealing with overwhelming emotions. It thus leads to a blocking of authentic feelings in an attempt to deny them. Denying or resisting emotions is not only unhealthy for the mind, body and spirit, but also deprives an opportunity for emotional awareness and personal growth. It results in stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and a loss of personal power and energy. The denied emotions could manifest into unconscious anger or self-hatred. The stronger the emotion, the more the unwillingness to feel them. This restricts the freedom of expression and eliminates joy.

Each emotion is unique. There are many positive ways to deal with them. Negative feelings do not have to constitute a negative experience. Acknowledging feelings can shed a light of understanding them and to heal naturally from change, stress, and grief. Creating this soul-satisfying experience will channel inspiration and enable the connection to the internal landscape. When you notice what you're thinking and not feeling sensations in your body, shift your attention from your head to your heart. Facing feelings head on can prove too difficult during times of emotional distress. Explore alternative ways of expressing them.

Helpful Tools:

1. Expressing thoughts to trusted friends or family can be helpful.

2. Write down what you are feeling. Label what you're feeling by using simple words

like "furious" or "annoyed".

3. Channel your feelings into a creative outlet, physical exercise, or chores.

4. Ask yourself what you were avoiding by thinking and not feeling.

5. Accepting and articulating your feelings to yourself can be therapeutic.

6. Breathing deeply or meditating can help you respond to your feelings in a healthy way.

In releasing intense emotions, it is beneficial to acknowledge the feelings, allow yourself to feel them, and let go without judgment. While blocking negative or uncomfortable feelings can numb the pain, it also may inevitably dull your ability to enjoy more positive and pleasurable feelings. The feelings denied aren't limited to anger and sadness. Suppressing happiness or excitement can be just as unhealthy. In learning how to express intense emotions in a healthy way, you are authentically empowered, giving yourself the freedom to fully experience the more joyful emotions that come with being alive.


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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Anonymous
 3 years 342 days ago.
Excellent Tips!!!
» left by Anonymous
 3 years 342 days ago.
I love your article.
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