Embracing Emotions: Navigating the Waves of Feelings for Personal Growth

Feelings are complex mental states that arise in response to stimuli, experiences, or thoughts. They encompass a wide range of emotions, sensations, and subjective experiences that shape our perception of the world and influence our behaviour, thoughts, and relationships.

In the age of the internet, where virtually everything we need is at our fingertips, we often distract ourselves from feeling emotions by excessively relying on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They often provides a temporary "safe" space where we don't have to deal with our feelings. We frequently experience exhaustion upon exiting this temporary "safe" world fostered by social media platforms.

So, what can we do? Why is it necessary to embrace and acknowledge our emotions? Is there harm in diverting attention away from feelings that may evoke sadness or anger? What's the downside if it provides some alleviation from our distress? Short answer is "YES". The habit of distracting oneself from feeling the feelings can indeed be harmful in long term.

While it may provide temporary relief, it ultimately fails to address the underlying issues and emotions, potentially exacerbating the pain over time.

When we attempt to numb ourselves from experiencing certain emotions, we deprive ourselves of the full spectrum of human experience because we cannot selectively numb feelings. When we try to numb sadness or anger linked to a specific aspect of their lives, we inadvertently block out happiness and excitement associated with that same aspect.

Every feeling, regardless of whether it's pleasant or unpleasant, carries a message. While some emotions may be uncomfortable, they are trying to communicate something important to each of us. Distracting oneself from feeling them means potentially missing out on the valuable messages embedded within those feelings.

Feelings can be likened to the waves we encounter at the beach.

If we persistently avoid the smaller waves and continue walking towards the shore, we'll inevitably encounter bigger, harsher waves. Similarly, when we distract ourselves from experiencing smaller emotions like sadness or anger, we inadvertently allow larger, more intense feelings such as rage or despair to build up and confront us. In essence, we end up facing what we were initially trying to avoid.

It's natural to experience a sense of panic when confronted with larger waves for the first time. Our instinctive response is often to resist the wave, leading to a struggle that can result in being toppled by the wave. Similarly, when previously avoided feelings surge forth, we may feel overwhelmed and lose control as these emotions assert themselves in our lives.

Therefore, when confronted with such bigger waves, if we maintain our composure and permit them to flow through us, they will slowly lift us up and eventually pass through us, allowing us to place our foot back on the sand. Likewise, when confronted with these feelings, rather than resisting or distracting ourselves, it's essential to allow them to flow through us.

It may feel daunting initially, but, akin to those waves, these feelings too shall pass once they deliver the message that they were carrying. Allowing these feeling to pass through us enables us to receive the messages in all its clarity. It helps us move one step forward in our growth journey.

These messages are crucial for our journey of self-growth. They serve as valuable cues that direct us toward our self-limiting beliefs, which may hinder us from reaching our personal and professional aspirations. So, if I could offer you a motto for the next time you experience unpleasant feelings, it would be this, ask yourself:

"What is this feeling trying to communicate to me?"

This simple question can open the door to self-awareness and personal growth. While seeking the guidance of a trained coach can be beneficial in uncovering deeper meanings, this simple question serves as a starting point for self-reflection and understanding.

By acknowledging and allowing our feelings to flow through us, we navigate life's waves with resilience and clarity. Each emotion, whether pleasant or uncomfortable, holds insights that propel us forward on our path towards self-awareness and personal fulfilment. Through introspection and mindful reflection, we harness the power of our emotions to unlock profound self-discovery and unlock our true potential.