Emotional Maintenance

In this series of newsletters, I've been addressing various ways to center ourselves and to be in control of our own state. This technique is a very simple, yet profoundly powerful way to release emotions that have built-up from life's experiences, that we have taken on from others or even just feelings we want to release in the moment. This is one of the most important things we can learn in life and much of what is considered illness and aging is simply lots of emotion stored in our bodies.

When doing this for the first time, it might be helpful to prepare a list beforehand of a full range of common emotions one experiences in a lifetime, trying to remain objective. We all experience and internalize all emotions to various degrees. For example: anger, resentment, hatred, fear, worry, stress, sadness, despair, disappointment, judgment, blame, shame, embarrassment, worn down, overwhelm. Add or subtract as you see fit. If you're just stressed, focus on that one emotion. Even it's a mixture of emotions or you can't name it, focus on that feeling and it's just as effective. I strongly recommend “cleaning house” the first time you do this and then just maintaining as needed.

Sit comfortably in a chair. This is not hypnosis, but focused intention. Take a few relaxing breaths through your belly and imagine your feet are like the bottom of a tree and the roots are extending into the earth, grounding you. Mentally scan your body and mind and imagine that you can see or sense that emotion. Perhaps you see it as a dark cloud around you or sense that there is a vague feeling in your chest. Whatever it is for you, imagine gathering it up and releasing it down into the earth via your roots to be healed. Give yourself the time needed for each emotion. Be firm and persistent, yet gentle, kind and relaxed. Remind yourself that you are not that emotion, you no longer need to hold on to it and there are no benefits. Sometimes you may need to release an emotion in stages if it feels particularly big or strong. That's OK. Also, it's important to know that some people feel the benefits strongly and others do not. This is not a reflection of effectiveness but looking back later, you will notice that you feel better or are less triggered by things.

When you feel that you have been helpfully cleared, imagine a beam of light in whatever color you like coming down from the sky and filling you up with a wonderful emotion. See it filling in the spaces where the negative emotions were. Joy, love and peace are great suggestions but let yourself be guided as to what best suits you. Set your intention that this is your new norm. When you can sense that, feel it or see it, open your eyes and go about your day allowing yourself to feel better.

If there are any questions or something is unclear, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to assist in any way I can. Enjoy the emotional control and good feelings!