As humans, we are born to express emotions freely and openly. So, no matter how “emotionally unavailable” someone is, he or she still has emotions. It’s all a matter of how we express it, and whether we choose to express it or not.
The thing about suppressing emotions is that it is toxic to the overall body. There are different reasons why some individuals choose not to express how they feel—some because they are negative emotions, some because they want to fit in, while others to earn love.
At some point, we bury emotions that we don’t deal with. We can go about our lives, oblivious to these emotions, thinking they don’t bother us until something significant happens in our lives then we realize those emotions have been there all along—trying to get out. It is in these moments when he can open old wounds, which make his house of cards fall apart.
Typically, these emotions that we bury deep are fear, shame or anger. When we experience situations that overwhelm us emotionally, we are not able to process what is happening, accept the emotions, and express them through the body and mind. Instead, we hide them deep down and end up hiding them from ourselves as well. However, they will always be there.
These unresolved emotions are trapped in the body where they are opened, which then leads to our energy being cut off, the emotional imbalance, and we can even physically hear.
Here, I will share some tips that can help you process trapped emotions and energy blocks in the body:
1.Recognize & Feel them
It’s a challenge, but it needs to be done. You have to recognize the emotion and feel it in your body. This is where you will use the power of attention to notice what is happening in the body, accept it, and feel it fully, without any judgment.
According to Buddhist teachings, human suffering is caused by aversion and resistance to what is happening. Therefore, acceptance is liberation.
To heal these trapped emotions, you have to feel them. You need to experience the emotion to process it and integrate it into your experience.
I recommend practicing mindfulness to be better at recognizing your feelings and observing the body sensations connected to those feelings. Check out our tips here.
2. We move
Getting your body moving may be one of the things you won’t consider to release negative emotions, but they work. It doesn’t have to be a workout routine, just move.
Moving creates movement that helps release energetic blocks from the body. You can also use this at times when you find it challenging to connect with your emotions.
For example, when you are upset with someone, instead of getting into an argument, get your body moving. Release anger by walking around the block, or if you want to feel ten times better, do something that makes you sweat and releases pent-up energies in your body, like a sport you enjoy doing.
3. Write it down
I cannot stress enough the importance of the journal. However, I have met many people who find it ridiculous to be a journalist without trying it first. To be honest, at first I was hesitant about journaling, because for me, I don’t see how writing down my thoughts can help me. I was doubtful about his “powers” but I kept hearing it, so I gave it a go. The first few days, I didn’t feel anything… until it became part of my routine and that’s when I felt that I feel lighter every time I put my thoughts on paper.
Journaling is an old but powerful technique. I suggest you write something on your mind for about 15 minutes. It’s natural to doubt its power at first, but trust me, do it. After a few minutes, you will get to the core of the limiting belief you have, and from there, you can better address it.
Remember, these trapped emotions stay there until you face them. It’s a long process, but it will be worth it.
