This week I facilitated a session on managing emotions while leading a group. When teaching or training on heavy topics, it’s likely that someone in the group, or the leader may have heightened emotional reactions. The next day, while working with the same group, it happened to me.
I became so overwhelmed by something that was shared about injustice toward a child that I had to leave the room and immediately use the tools and strategies for managing emotions that I had just shared with the group the night before. Holding my feelings in would have caused more harm and would have been a missed opportunity for healing and learning for myself and the group. Below you will find some strategies that I used to care for myself. It is my hope that they can also support you when you find yourself deeply affected by the disturbing words, actions, or inactions that we are exposed to daily in the media and our communities. Get it Out. I gave myself time and space to feel the emotion, then I got it out of my body. I left the room and found a quiet place to simply cry. Since crying sometimes makes others uncomfortable and is often seen as socially unacceptable, we tend to express or extinguish our emotions in ways that cause harm to ourselves and others. It is not only ok to cry to support our mental and emotional health, there are physical health benefits as well. Rhythmic Remedy. Brain research shows that when we are having a trauma response, humming, singing, or practicing other similar rhythmic activities stimulates the vagus nerve and let’s our brain know that it is ok to return to calmness. So, I hummed several verses of a song that I love, then began to sing it out loud. Observe Opposites. When this incident occurred, I was in a venue where there were several children engaging in sports and their families were spectators. The passion for play exhibited by the children in the game, as well as the exuberance of their peers and parents in the stands was like watching joy personified. Empathizing with their bliss became contagious and my feelings of anger and sadness began to subside. This week, as events take place in your home, office, or in the world, I invite you to embrace your emotions and use the tools that are readily available to you to support your care and healing. Manifestation Affirmations I am an active agent in my own healing. I am sharing in the delight of those around me to cultivate and increase my joy. I am feeling the fullness of my emotions then releasing them when they are ready to go.
Master Your Mindset to Manifest a Life You Love. Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide
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