The art of processing emotions
Emotions are a fundamental part of being human, emerging spontaneously in response to what happens around and inside us. When we experience emotions, we receive direct feedback about our interactions with the external world and our inner reactions.
Society often encourages us to avoid ’negative’ emotions like sadness, fear, or anger, promoting the misconception that we should not experience them fully. Yet, emotions merely provide information.
When we sit with our emotions and interpret this information without rushing to judgment, we unlock valuable insights into our needs and reactions.
On the other hand, neglecting to process emotions can lead to feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. As unaddressed emotions mount, they intensify emotional turmoil and can spiral into maladaptive coping strategies.
The link between emotions and memories means that if emotions are left unprocessed, the memories associated with these emotions can resurface repeatedly. This resurgence brings the unresolved emotions back into focus, potentially triggering unhealthy behaviours. This dynamic stems from the brain’s propensity to pattern-match with existing memories. In essence, the brain revisits past emotional landscapes in response to current triggers, activating behaviours rooted in unresolved feelings rather than a measured appraisal of the present situation.
To process emotions, we need to bring them into our conscious mind. By becoming consciously aware of them, we can talk about them and think them through. This approach allows our rational mind to ’neutralise’ dysfunctional patterns by changing the related memories to trigger feelings of safety instead of fear or distress. Engaging in this process transforms potentially disruptive emotional responses into manageable experiences.
As I navigate my journey towards emotional well-being, here’s my commitment:
- I acknowledge my feelings as they arise.
- I understand they’re a natural response to my experiences.
- I allow myself to feel these feelings, granting them space to exist within me.
- I approach these feelings with curiosity, seeking to understand their origins and messages without judgment.
- I help others do the same, fostering an environment of empathy and support.
Through this commitment, I hope to heal myself and contribute to collective emotional well-being, paving the way for a more compassionate world.