Gaining Emotional Awareness and Engaging with Difficult Emotions
Take a moment to pause.
You've been caring a lot and it's easy to slip into numbing, whether through distraction,
overworking, or shutting down emotionally.
It might seem like it helps for a while, but numbing keeps you from truly healing and growing.
Right now, give yourself permission to be still, to notice what's going on inside,
and to honor your emotions with compassion.
Step 1.
Recognize the Numbing
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself, how have I been numbing my emotions lately?
Maybe it's through busyness, endlessly scrolling on your phone, eating for comfort, or emotionally
disconnecting from those around you.
Whatever it is, bring it to the surface, not with judgment, but with awareness.
Numbing is often a sign that something deeper is trying to get your attention.
Ask yourself, what situations or feelings have triggered me to numb or shut down recently?
Am I feeling overwhelmed?
Am I tired?
What am I trying to avoid or protect myself from feeling?
What is underneath that?
Do I have a deeper longing, a desire, a boundary I'm needing to set?
What am I noticing?
What's coming up for me in my heart, body, mind, and overall sense of well-being as I
consider these questions?
Step 2.
Gaining Emotional Awareness
Now gently turn your attention inward.
What emotions have you been pushing away?
Sadness?
Anger?
Fear?
Or something else?
Most of these emotions feel too big to handle, but they are part of being human.
Begin to name what you're feeling without judgment.
Just notice it.
You don't have to solve anything right now.
Simply become aware of what's within you.
This will help guide you in the next steps.
Ask yourself, what emotions have I been suppressing or ignoring?
As I notice these feelings, what do they tell me about my needs, desires, or boundaries?
How can I allow myself to feel these emotions with courage and compassion?
Remember, when you start to feel these emotions, it's important to be gentle with yourself.
You don't have to have all the answers and you don't have to fix everything right now.
Notice offering yourself the same kindness you would give a close friend.
Speak words of comfort and care to yourself.
It's okay to feel what you feel.
It's okay to take time to heal.
You are worthy of compassion and understanding.
Ask yourself, how can I be kind to myself in this moment?
What words of comfort or encouragement would I offer a friend and how can I offer that
to myself?
How can I embrace these feelings with gentleness, knowing they are part of me?
How can I trust that God is with me in my emotions, for my body, heart, mind, and soul?
Finding a Healthy Alternative
Consider healthy alternatives that allow you to feel your emotions, process them, and move
through them in a way that honors your heart, body, mind, and spirit, your overall well-being.
These alternatives don't make the feelings disappear, but they help you work through
them in a way that brings healing and clarity.
Let your emotions be a guide to lead you towards healthy awareness and deeper understanding.
Journaling.
Write down what you're feeling.
Express your emotions freely without censoring yourself.
Journaling can help you give your emotions a voice and see them more clearly.
You can bring
Send these emotions to God asking him to highlight his heart for you in the emotion and also
any revelations or insight that he wants to give you about yourself, others, or the situation.
Movement
Try a simple embodiment practice like stretching, walking, or dancing.
Breathing and mindful movement helps you reconnect with your body and release emotions that might
be stored physically.
Breath work
Practice deep intentional breathing.
Breathe in deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale
through your mouth.
This can help you stay grounded and calm while connecting with your emotions.
Talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
Sharing your emotions with someone who listens can be incredibly healing.
Find a safe space to talk through what you're feeling.
Creative expression
Draw, paint, write poetry, or engage in another creative activity that helps you express
your emotions in a non-verbal way.
Ask yourself, what healthy alternative can I choose today to help me feel and process
my emotions?
How can I honor my heart, body, mind, and spirit in a way that feels supportive?
What next step can I take right now to lean into my emotions?
Closing Reflection
Take a moment to acknowledge the emotions that have surfaced.
You are brave for facing them and for choosing to honor your feelings rather than avoid them.
Remember that this process takes time, courage, and compassion, and it's okay to move slowly.
Remember God is with you in this moment.
By gaining emotional awareness and practicing compassion, you are taking steps toward greater
healing and well-being.