Heavy emotions are those that weigh you down – despair, loneliness, grief and hopelessness are just a few examples. It’s not a fun place to be in, but it serves a purpose.
In order to figure out the purpose of the emotion we feel, we have to go through a 4-step process.
Step 1 is the most crucial – NAME it! The more accurately you can name the emotion, the easier it will be to deal with it.
Step 2: Accept it. Yes, this emotion is present. Don’t fight it. It is there for a purpose, it is there to serve you. Acknowledge its presence. Make it feel welcome – I realise it seems counter-intuitive, but the purpose of this emotion can only come to fruition when you accept it with an open heart.
Step 3: Feel it. Feel the emotion thoroughly. Sit in the emotion. Befriend it. Ask the emotion what it’s protecting you from. Ask what it needs. Remember to be kind to this emotion, and listen. It will tell you what it needs or why it’s there.
Step 4: Let it go. Once you understand why the emotion is there, and you’ve had that conversation with it, once its purpose is fulfilled, the emotion will dissipate.
Try these steps the next time you’re in heavy emotion. You’ll feel lighter and calmer, you’ll understand yourself better, and you’ll be stronger for having gone through this journey.
If you’re struggling with this, book a session with me. A structured session with a coach definitely helps in getting to the root of things.
