“It’s ok to feel…”: Part of the Conscious Communication Series

We are all emotional beings. Feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust are part of the wide range of human emotions. They are all valid and there are no “bad” or “wrong” emotions. Each emotion has its place and serves a purpose in our lives. It’s crucial to remember this, not only for ourselves but also for those around us, fostering empathy and compassion.

Feel, Process, and Release

Allowing ourselves to fully feel, process, and release our emotions rather than suppressing, ignoring, or acting on them in unhealthy or dysfunctional ways is key. From my personal experiences, I can assure you that suppressing or ignoring feelings doesn’t lead to long-term happiness or stability. It’s essential to sit with our discomfort and strive to understand where our emotions are originating and what they are trying to tell us.

Building upon this, we can also learn to create a space between our automatic emotional reactions and the conscious choices we make in response. This space provides us with an opportunity to pause, to avoid impulsive reactions and instead choose responses that align more with who we want to be. Over time, as we continue to practice this, we gradually rewire our brains, moving closer to becoming the individuals we aspire to be.

Extending this understanding to others is just as important. Acknowledging and respecting other people’s emotional experiences, without judgement or dismissal, fosters a more empathetic and compassionate environment.

Emotions vs Actions

While all emotions are valid, not all reactions are healthy or constructive. It’s crucial to understand the difference between experiencing an emotion and acting upon it. Reacting impulsively to our emotions, especially the intense ones, can often lead to situations we later regret. Here, it’s helpful to practice pausing, processing our feelings, and choosing a response that aligns with our values and respects our boundaries and those of others.

Practical Steps: Emotional Processing

1. Acknowledge: The first step to emotional processing is acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Validate your emotions. Remember, it’s OK to feel.

2. Understand: Try to understand the root cause of your feelings. What event or thought triggered this emotion? Reflecting on this can help you gain insights about yourself.

3. Express: Find a healthy way to express your emotions. This could be through talking with a trusted person, writing in a journal, or engaging in a creative activity.

4. Act: Choose a response that aligns with your values. Consider the possible outcomes of different actions before deciding your next step.

5. Self-Care: After experiencing intense emotions, take some time for self-care. This can help restore your balance and prepare you for future emotional experiences.

As we navigate the tapestry of our emotions, it’s important to remember that embracing our emotional spectrum is an essential part of being human. By acknowledging and understanding our feelings, we can create an internal environment that’s not only healthy but also empowering. By adopting a compassionate lens towards our emotions, we give ourselves the gift of self-acceptance and open our hearts to the emotions of others. This, in turn, has the potential to build stronger, more genuine relationships with the people around us and to cultivate communities where empathy and understanding thrive. The journey of emotional self-discovery is continuous. As we learn and grow, let us remember that it is not just ok to feel, but it is vital to our human experience. So let’s embrace our emotions with open arms, and let them guide us towards a more compassionate, connected, and fulfilling life.