Our bodies are designed to release toxins through waste and sweat. When we experience intense emotions like grief and anger, our bodies release hormones signaling that we need to do something physically. Most of the time we don't go for a walk or take a yoga class. We might just sit on the couch and watch re-runs of The Office. (Just me??) When we don't find ways to naturally release our emotions, they stay settled in our bodies. It creates an added stress because our body is already trying to get rid of environmental toxins.
That added stress might be blocking you from being able to release the heavy emotions you feel. And the cycle continues.
Heavy emotions. No release. Added stress in the body. Heavy emotions induced by bodily stress. No release.
So how do we break this cycle of holding onto heavy emotions.
The very first thing we need to do is acknowledge it.
Yes. If you are feeling angry, admit that you are angry. If that emotion scares you, sit with it and ask yourself why it scares you. What story have you been telling yourself about that emotion?
Then we need to find a way to release it. Both mentally and physically.
Mentally, that might look like wrestling with the emotion and what God's word says. What does God's word say about anger? And don't settle for a pat answer either. Keep asking and wrestling with it. God isn't afraid of the struggle. Journal it out. There is something really powerful about the written word. Not just words on a screen but words literally written on pen and paper. Write out your thoughts and finds. Physically, it will depend on the emotion. It's always a good idea to go for a walk. It's a good idea to get sun. It's a good idea to get nutrients and vitamins that will support your body. Maybe you might need to get a massage to move the muscles that are storing tension. Or go to a chiropractor to realign yourself. Our bodies feel the impact of our emotions. How wonderfully kind of God that He gave us ways to store and release it.
I think about tears. Tears are seen as weak but actually they're a form of release that God designed. Crying gets rid of toxins and releases endorphins that uplift your both physically and emotionally. God intelligently designed our bodies in that way. How amazing...
When I start to shame myself for feeling human, I look back at Jesus. Being fully God and fully man, He still felt the weight of human emotions. His stress level was so high before being arrested that He sweated blood. Jesus understands our body's need for release. We aren't shamed for it. Rather we are to feel it. Release it. And lay at the foot of the Cross.
If there are ways that have helped you, be sure to let me know in the comments. We're in this together.
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