June/July 2024 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 40

After you ’ ve practiced the exercise in step one , you can begin releasing the emotion ( s ) from your body . If you don ’ t release these lower emotional states , they can become stored in your body , affecting your health and / or running the show in your mind , which can affect your behavior ( including selfsabotage and addiction ). you can recognize them and elevate your emotions into a more positive state . Negative emotions don ’ t create positive results . The lower states of emotions cause the fight or flight response of the sympathetic nervous system and the infamous , never-ending chatter of the monkey mind to kick on , releasing adrenaline . Muscles tense up , breathing slows , and the brain looks for potential threats in the environment .

Here ’ s a process I use :

• Find a quiet space

• Tune into your body and notice where it feels tight

• Ask that part of your body what it ’ s holding on to . What is it feeling ? Name it .

• Acknowledge the feeling and thank your body for alerting you

• Explore the feeling from an observant ( non-attached ) place of curiosity .

What are some of your favorite ways to recognize when something is disturbing you ?

Here are some of my favorite ways to release :

• Deep breathing : take several deep , bellyexpanding breaths . As you breathe in , have the intention of breathing in peace and relaxation . As you breathe out , have the intention of releasing stress and tension .

• Journaling : Ask yourself , “ If I were completely honest with myself ,...”. You can fill in the blank with prompts like ( what ’ s not working is , how I ’ m feeling is , what I ’ m really wanting is , etc .). Write what comes to you without judging or censoring .

• Speak it : talk to someone who can compassionately listen and help you shift into a higher state of emotion , such as a counselor or coach . Speaking your truth has great power .

• Move ! Walking , running , biking , dancing , or other forms of exercise also help release emotional energy .

What are some of your favorite ways to release emotional energy ?