Thoughtful Thursday & Creating Space

I just finished Brené Brown's new book, Atlas of the Heart.

So good.

I wanted to share one of the powerful nuggets I took from it.

She says, "when we name an emotion or experience, it doesn't give that emotion or experience more power, it gives US more power."

I love this.

Are you feeling overpowered by your emotions?

Do they feel like they are just happening to you?

I invite you to choose one to process.

Take a deep breath in and out.

Accept that you are feeling this emotion and just be present with it.

Acknowledge what you are feeling by naming it.

I invite you to find it in your body. Where is it?

What does it feel like?

It is a tightness in your neck or chest?

Is it a heaviness in your stomach?  

Is it moving fast or slow?

Is it cold or hot?

Sharp or soft?

If you could give it a color what would it be?

Just relax into it and observe yourself experiencing this emotion. 

Don't resist, react or avoid this emotion.

Be open and move toward it. 

This is what _________________ feels like for you today.

Breathe in and out.

Remind yourself that you are experiencing this emotion because of "sentences" in your brain.

That's all.

Nothing has gone wrong.

It can't hurt you.

It is just a vibration in your body.

Allow it until it subsides.

You've got this.

By processing your emotions instead of fighting against them, you can actually create more space for positive emotions in your life.

Give it a try!