We, as humans, seek safety. We yearn for security. Our same-old, same-old routine frequently becomes our safety and comfort. It may appear easier at times to operate on autopilot, with no awareness of our internal experience. It’s natural and adaptive to want to avoid things that make us uncomfortable. After all, who wants to work harder just to experience unpleasant feelings?

But you should. We are not robots, people (as much as during the painful times, it might seem appealing to be one). The price of not feeling is too high to ignore. It’s never too late to decide you’re ready to listen in! If emotional avoidance resonates with you, see if you can approach it with curiosity and non-judgment. This newfound awareness gives you an excellent opportunity to create something new and to transition into a more fulfilling way of being!

Here’s are few ways that can help you to feel your feelings :

• Catch the Feeling: When you notice an emotion or feeling bubbling up, take note of the situation or interaction that preceded it. Check in with your physical reaction. Try practising this check-in without attaching a story to the experience. Experiment with letting go of trying to “make sense” of it or find the “why” of the feeling for the time being. Practicing this presence allows you to be more mindful and connected to your entire being.
• Welcome the Feelings: We must make a conscious decision to be mindful and honest with ourselves in order to allow the feelings to flow through us. We have an excellent opportunity to recognise and pause when we are fleeing. The first step is to recognise that we are blocking sensation and emotion. The second step is to recognise that we are experiencing emotions. Step three, prepare yourself…is to thank your mind and body for alerting you to the feelings, whether they are “feel-good” or not. Take a moment to thank your mind and body for protecting you and providing you with information about yourself that allows you to have a more complete, richer experience of yourself.
• Recognize yourself: It takes courage to decide to become more aware of your internal experience and to expose yourself to the unknown. It takes a lot of dedication, self-love, and self-care. Every time you give yourself this gift, acknowledge and affirm yourself. It is a loving, caring, and honest commitment that will serve you repeatedly.

This is a practice, and as with most things, the more you do it, the easier it becomes! It can also be practised with joy and excitement, much like travelling to a new country! Have fun on your journey…!