Summary:
Emotions are a tool to unwind. Emotions intimately connect us to ourselves, others and God. Thus, allowing ourselves to experience them fully can be a pathway to greater connection.
For those who are numb or overwhelmed, a few simple steps can help identify and manage emotions. First, notice physical and emotional signals and precisely name each feeling. Next, allow yourself to feel your emotions fully, sharing them with a trusted community. Leaning into painful feelings can forge neural pathways for healing and stress relief over time. Negative feelings themselves aren't the problem, but an opportunity to identify where we are and seek help. The reward for stewarding feelings well is profound.