Phase 1 in the Journey - Emotions

Phase 1 in the Journey - Emotions (A Journey Into A Holistic Approach to Disc0vering Balance During Covid19 - 4)

4/18/2020

I think that one of the downsides to people feeling safe to share their journey towards holistic balance is Toxic Positivity. Ourselves or others can often feel uncomfortable with emotion, and so will downplay it in others, or we stuff it down in ourselves. Neither are healthy and that is not what this journey will be about. It's time to get honest with how you're feeling.

There really are no right or wrong feelings about all of the drastic changes to our lives due to the Covid19 pandemic. They are all normal, correct and understandable. Which ones do you identify with?

Shock
Grief
Despair
Depression

Calm
Peace
Uncertainty
Curiousity

Anger
Anxiety
Frustration
Overwhelm

Fear
Surprise
Stress
Denial
Other

As you recognize each of the emotions that you have, do you identify where in your body you're also feeling them physically? Where they are expressing in your Spirit? A first step in creating holistic balance is first acknowledging and accepting your feelings about change, without feeling the need to justify or judge or suppress.

It can be simple frustrations such as not being able to find paper towels, toilet paper or flour in the stores, surprise that your kids can no longer play in parks, depression in not having any social interactions at work or with friends, fear and uncertainty with more questions than answers...

Allowing your feelings is healthy. Emotions are energy and in order to eventually be released, energy has to be allowed to move. Same thing with emotions, and yes, it can be super uncomfortable to allow our own emotions and to witness those of others.

The next step is to acknowledge that how you're feeling mentally/emotionally is impacting you on all levels of mind, body and spirit. Checking in on how it feels physically often requires some action to get out of your head and into your body. Meditation, contemplation and physical activity are really helpful.

The final step in this phase is to cut yourself some slack. Allow the feelings, all of them and how they fluctuate. During this phase radical self-care is called for as we work towards managing our emotions constructively and turn towards allowing holistic balance.

Radical Self-Care during Phase 1 of Your Holistic Journey

Some of the following suggestions may seem like band-aid solutions to the emotions you're feeling about the changes you're experiencing due to Covid19. They are band-aid solutions for now. During this first phase in creating holistic balance your creating space for emotions and looking after yourself through that phase. (You're also teaching your loved ones that it's ok to have the emotions and to explore self-care techniques that work for them)

Ways to Safely Express Emotion

Don't suppress them or tamp them down! Allow the energy of the emotions to move through you and if they get too much go ahead and scream in the car, cry, stamp your feet. Journaling through writing or art, breath work, laughter and physical movement are all great ways to safely express emotions.

My favourite way is to put on the music and dance with abandon. As I move the emotional energy moves as well. I encourage you to explore and discover new ways that feel good to you.

Nurturing Yourself Through the Tough Days

This can be a really interesting way to find out just what radical self-care looks like for you as you explore different methods.

Eating healthy foods,
Carrying crystals,
Aromatherapy,
Getting Physical with activity you love
Switching from listening to the Blues,
Watching comedies instead of dramas,
Turning off the news every day
Chat with friends and family through video or phone

... wrap yourself in comfort and care (yes, you are also teaching your children to care for themselves through example)

Explore Aromatherapy

Carry crystals

Dance with abandon

Spending time with friends and family on line until you can gather together again

Journaling through written word, drawing, painting...

Exploring activities that bring joy

I'ts ok to sit in this phase of discovering Holistic Balance for a period of time as you explore what works for you. But we're not going to wallow or set up camp in this phase for too long. That being said, there is no timeline. As I said in a previous post, you will work through this journey as it works for you and there is no right or wrong way. Get comfortable with self-care and emotional expression as best you can. Perhaps the weekly calendar guide below can help with that.