If you’ve ever had trouble naming an emotion, understanding the concept of physical feelings and where they live in your body may help you feel more in tune with yourself.
Emotions live in the body. For example, worry sits in the stomach, stress sits in the heart and brain, grief sits in the heart and lungs. I for sure know what this feels like.
When I get nervous, it feels like my stomach flips. I know when I see something scary or thrilling I feel tingling down my spine. When I’m afraid, I get goose bumps.
Connecting my mind and body is central to my overall well-being. In fact, when I ignore or bury my emotions, I tend to feel or actually get sick easier. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
So, when I’m trying to work through my emotions and it’s wreaking havoc on my body, I try to calm myself. For example, I try to slow and deepen my breath and bring it all the way to my stomach. That takes practice.
Then, I visualize my feet on the ground. That sense of grounding is about brining myself into the present moment and feeling all the feelings and emotions I need to.
By acknowledging the power of my emotions and the connection to the body, I’m able to ebb and flow better with life. It’s then I can see myself with grace and peace knowing I can face anything life throws at me.
