Emotions Need Motion
By Jan Blencowe
Posted on
When normal is gone, we grieve its loss. Some of that dis-ease, discomfort, and disturbance you’re feeling right now in the midst of this pandemic is grief.
That may startle you. We usually reserve grief for the loss of a close family member or special friend.
A long planned trip is canceled. Your granddaughter's first ballet recital, a graduation ceremony, or an important job interview are now no longer possible. That appointment with the specialist you’ve waited months for is now postponed indefinitely. The possibility of illness and death causes deep unsettled feelings.
When the connections that bring joy, health, safety and meaning to our lives are suddenly stripped away, you experience loss and feel grief. When you worry about what might happen you experience anticipatory grief.
In times of uncertainty, a log jam of emotions begins to form within you.
Emotions need motion. It’s a catchy phrase to help you remember an important truth. Emotions that get stuck are breeding grounds for anxiety, depression, and fear.
Moving emotions means giving yourself a way to express what you feel.
Creating is always positive. Doodling, finger-painting, collage, or working with clay while holding the intention of expressing what you feel, opens a channel through which your emotions can flow. The end product is of no importance; what is important is that emotions are being released as you create.
Release your emotions by spending time in nature.
Go outside and consciously notice what is there. This is a mindfulness practice everyone can do. Then create a personal ritual. Stack three stones to call in balance of body, mind and spirit. Create a circle of pebbles, stand within the circle, breathe deeply and slowly releasing what is troubling you. On your last inhale, call in Divine love to surround you. Do this on behalf of yourself or others. If you’re near a beach use a stick to write in the sand at the edge of the water words that release your anxious thoughts, fears and grief. Stand quietly as you watch the waves dissolve the fear and grief.
Make time to engage with your emotions using practices like the ones above. Above all, welcome your emotions as Rumi encourages us to do in The Guest House ...
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
... because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.”
Jan Blencowe is a certified Creative Depth Coach through JourneyPath Institute, a licensed JourneyCircles™ facilitator, MoonCircles Guide™, artist, and experienced retreat leader. For more information about Jan, visit her website at www.janblencowe.com. While we endeavor to reschedule her Earth Altars program from May 3, click here for a fall 2020 program Jan will facilitate at Mercy by the Sea on The Crone: Naming and Reclaiming the Wise Woman. Registration is under way.