In our fast-paced world, we’ve become experts at avoiding our emotions. We tuck away sadness, swallow anger, and numb our anxiety with endless distractions. It feels easier in the moment, as if by ignoring a difficult emotion, we can make it disappear. But the truth is, emotions are not meant to be hidden. They are signals from our inner world, and when we refuse to listen, they find other ways to be heard.
A suppressed emotion doesn’t vanish; it simply transforms. It can manifest as chronic anxiety, unexplained stress, physical pain, or sudden outbursts that seem to come from nowhere. This constant effort to hold everything inside can be exhausting and ultimately robs us of our peace.
This is why the most courageous thing we can do for our well-being is to face our feelings head-on. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of profound strength. By allowing ourselves to fully experience an emotion—whether it’s anger, grief, or frustration—we begin to understand it. We learn what our body and mind are trying to tell us.
So, how do we begin? It starts with a simple shift in mindset and a few gentle practices.
1. Acknowledge and Name the Feeling
Give yourself permission to feel it without judgment. Say to yourself, “I feel sad,” or “I feel anxious.” This simple act of naming gives you a sense of power over the emotion, rather than letting it control you.
2. Give It Space
You don’t have to solve the feeling immediately. Just allow it to be there. Take a moment to sit with it. You can try a simple breathing exercise, like the 4x4x4 box breathing we’ve discussed, to create a sense of groundedness as you observe the emotion.
3. Find a Healthy Outlet
Once you’ve acknowledged the feeling, give it a safe place to go. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in a creative practice like therapeutic drawing are all powerful ways to release emotions without harming yourself or others. Your art or words don’t have to be perfect; they just have to be real.
When we stop running from our emotions and instead turn to face them, we unlock a powerful path to healing. It is here, in the quiet acceptance of our feelings, that we discover a new sense of freedom and authentic connection to ourselves.