Recognize and release your emotions, even the tricky ones
This is part 3 of 6 in the Sound Mind Series.
Our culture has so many contradicting ideas about emotions. Are they good or bad? What do we do with them? Our Sound Mind series continues today as we talk about releasing our emotions, and I hope we can get a little clarity. (Look back at week 1 and week 2.) Our goal is to implement practices that can keep us mentally strong and refreshed all year long.
I grew up in a home where emotions were valued. I was allowed to express emotions…to a point. I also learned to repress some emotions to “keep it together” or sound more Christian. It was a mixed bag. What kinds of messages did you receive about emotions growing up?
What do emotions have to do with our spiritual lives and wellbeing anyway? Well, everything.
God made us multi-part - body, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and spirit.
All of these parts are interconnected and make us fully alive. Throughout scripture God asks us to love and serve him with our heart and soul and strength. He asks us to worship him in spirit and truth. He asks us to serve him by through practical works (with our bodies). We meditate on his word with our minds. Because of this interconnectedness, growth in one part of our person benefits the whole person. And unhealthiness in one part affects every part. Wellbeing comes from paying attention to and nurturing each part of ourselves as we are able.
Our emotions and thoughts are more connected than we realize.
Even though we like to say we feel with our heart, that organ just pumps our blood. Emotions fire in the brain just like our thoughts, and all of our thoughts are enmeshed with emotions. Here’s an example - What am I feeling right now? I start with an emotion and follow with a connected thought. I feel joy - my friends were just visiting us. I feel some fear - this email is due soon and people are coming over tonight. I feel a little sad - my daughter isn’t feeling well.
Emotions may often feel like a burden to us, but they are a gift from God that enable us to experience our lives in a complex way.
They also help us to connect with God and others at a deep level. Your emotions are valid and valued by God, and at the same time, you don’t have to get stuck in them.
Emotions need to expressed often, not repressed, in order for us to be healthy.
Repressed emotions cause emotional and physical sickness. Just talking out our thoughts isn’t enough to get to the root of what we’re experiencing. The emotions are key.
Expressing your emotions can take the form of prayer, journaling, or talking to a friend or loved one. Expressing your emotions does not give them power over your actions. It makes you more aware of your internal life, so you can make Godly choices. It helps you know yourself better so you can see where you need God’s help and redemption.
I encourage you to get into the habit of becoming more aware of and expressing your emotions on a regular basis, at least daily.
Here’s a simple way to start this practice.
On my website find a list of the 8 primary emotions to use as a guide. You are experiencing each of these emotions multiple times a day, even if you are unaware at the time. Consult this list to consider what emotions you are experiencing.
Next, open your Dawn app and complete a Daily Practice (tap the + sign), which includes a place to list and release your emotions and thoughts. Use the template I provided above - name the emotion and also connected thought. List as many as you need to, and it’s okay if they are similar day after day. There is power in the expression. Afterward, in your Daily Practice you have the opportunity to pray over those emotions and thoughts and release each one to God, inviting him into the process.
I realize emotions can be terrifying. If you have years of repressed emotions, or you were taught that emotions were bad, or you feel stuck or unemotional, you are not alone. And there is a way through. If this is you, please email me at hello @angiegibbons.com and ask me any questions or set up a free introductory coaching call with me. I have led women through learning and releasing their emotions and would love to help you too.
Some helpful references and resources in case you’re curious.
Learn lots more about emotions and connecting through emotions on the Connection Codes website, book, and podcast.
Scriptures related to this post:
Deuteronomy 4:29, Deuteronomy 6:5, Hebrews 4:12, John 4:24, John 21:17, Joshua 1:8
Psychology references:
Ford BQ, et al. (2018). The psychological health benefits of accepting negative emotions and thoughts: Laboratory, diary, and longitudinal evidence. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000157Lawson K. (n.d.). How do thoughts and emotions affect health?
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-thoughts-and-emotions-affect-healthPatel J, et al. (2019). Consequences of repression of emotion: Physical health, mental health, and general well being. DOI:
http://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-18-2564Suttie J. (2019). How to become a scientist of your own emotions.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_become_a_scientist_of_your_own_emotionsTopor DR. (2017). Feeling okay about feeling bad is good for your mental health.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/feeling-okay-about-feeling-bad-is-good-for-your-mental-health-2017091412398
