“A psyche at war with itself is only at peace when darkness comes to light.”
It's tempting to linger in the shadows of bitterness, letting resentment consume us. But as humans, we often forget that true growth begins when we embrace forgiveness wholeheartedly.
Letting go is not the easiest thing to do. It takes time and courage. Despite this, a significant part of healing lies not only in acknowledging our emotions but also in finding the strength to release them.
What Happens When We Experience An Emotion?
Well, three things happen, to be precise.
We generate an emotional vibration. This is a physical sensation that can be felt in the body, such as a racing heart, butterflies in the stomach, or a tightness in the chest.
We experience the emotion and any thoughts or physical sensations that are associated with it. This is where the mind and body's interconnectedness comes into play. For example, if we feel angry, we might also have thoughts about the person or situation that made us angry.
Lastly, we move on from the emotion by processing it. This means that we allow ourselves to feel the emotion fully, without judgment, and then we find a way to release it in a healthy way.
Acceptance and Healing: Wings of the Same Bird
Carl Jung, a noted Swiss psychiatrist, wisely pointed out that we can't really change anything until we first accept it. And you know what? Emotions are no different. It's honestly not a great idea to get stuck thinking about something too much. If you want to let go of an emotion, it's just as crucial to stop dwelling on it as it is to start dealing with it.
Accepting what made you feel that way is the next step. When emotions are trapped in our psyche for too long, we become comfortable with having them around, without considering the negative consequences.
Acceptance allows you the room to humbly know that something is troubling you and you must acknowledge it to move forward.
After Acceptance Comes Expression
It's absolutely okay to feel whatever you're feeling. Holding those emotions inside won't bring much benefit, so why not muster the courage to confront them head-on and let them out into the open? After expressing your emotions, take a moment to observe them without passing judgment. This will deepen your understanding of those emotions and allow you to release any lingering tension you might be holding onto.
Then Comes Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a journey that involves letting go of grudges and embracing healing for both yourself and others. Though it may not be an easy road, it opens doors to true inner peace and well-being. Take a moment to reflect on the areas in your life that harbor bitterness. Consider the individuals who played a part in those feelings. And here's a helpful reminder: release the expectation of an official apology, if you've been waiting for one. Instead, come to terms with what happened, acknowledge your emotions, and make amends, even if the pain was caused by your own actions. Doing so will pave the way for profound emotional release and healing.
Some Techniques That You Can Try Today
Write in a journal.
Journaling can be a great way to explore your emotions and release them in a safe and private space. You can write about anything that you're feeling, without judgment.
Engage in physical activity.
Physical activity can help to release pent-up emotions and to improve your overall mood. Exercises like running, dancing, or boxing can be especially helpful for releasing anger.
Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment. This can help you to become aware of your emotions and to release them in a healthy way. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath.
Seek professional help.
If you're struggling to release trapped emotions on your own, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your emotions better and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Remember, letting go isn't always easy, but it's a beautiful step toward finding emotional freedom and healing. Embrace the journey, and with time and courage, you'll discover the benefits of it!
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