Over the next six weeks we will be reading and writing a lot of eye opening material as well as discussing craft techniques for writing the hard stuff. Here is a list of Emotional Resources for thus journey.
So how exactly do you deal with the onslaught of emotions that may arise as you write this stuff?
First, reach out to me. I am here for you in this process. You can email me, text me, or speak with me whenever you need to.
Secondly, I encourage you to use this opportunity to team up with a licensed professional and to cull a list of resources, hotlines, ways to get support and counseling to fully serve you at this time.
Finally, I’ve listed a few emotional resources that I have found helpful from time to time. Please use what resonates with you and discard what does not:
- Breathwork: So much of what we experience emotionally and physically has to do with our relationship to our breath. Trauma often leaves the person in a state of suspended breath that can go on for years. Many smokers report that smoking is satisfying due to the breath. The deep inhale and exhale. When overwhelming feelings arise, simply inhaling deeply and exhaling deeply (through your mouth) with an ahhh sound might be all you need to continue. If not, try inhaling as you count to seven, then hold the breath for another count of seven, exhale the breath in seven counts and then, hold for another count of 7. I call this “4 Sevens.” If you do this everyday several times ( I do it during my morning shower and whenever need some extra calm), your resilience to stress will build up over time.
- Intention: Remind yourself why you are doing this. Maybe you are writing your story as a way of helping others, or maybe it is a gift to yourself that will allow you to put the events of the past where they belong—back there and not sneaking up uninvited to your glorious present—and move on with your intended life of joy and purpose. Intention is a powerful way to remain present in what you are writing and may even guide your words.
- Say “I love myself” over and over again in a loop until you feel better. This can take time, so commit to doing it 20 times when you are stuck and before getting up or going to bed. You will find the message your inner child wants to share with the world.
- Protect your energy: Stay away from negative people and energies while you are taking this journey! If you cannot do this completely, then imagine yourself surrounded by the white light of love and divine protection. Say, “I surround myself by the white light of love and divine protection. Anything that comes into contact with the light will be transmuted to pure love and light.” Take a moment to imagine the whitest light you can coming out of your heart, pulsating through your body and finally enveloping you entirely in a 12-inch orb of white light. Try to imagine this light on you all the time.
- Write a list of “10 things I’m grateful for.” This is a great morning ritual.
- Do this “How to Create *Permanent* Sky High Self-Esteem” exercise. It’s pure gold!
- Prayer, Meditation, Aura Cleansing, Affirmations are just a few of the ways we can regulate our emotions and clear our minds of negative chatter. There are many wonderful meditation apps in the Google and Apple App stores. Alternatively, YouTube and Audible have many free meditations and affirmations.
Feel free to share any tips or skills you have developed below. There are many ways to bring yourself into the present, the trick is to find what works for you!
*Contact me if you would like more information or resources regarding these or any other self-love and self-awareness techniques.