Turning toward and moving through
“Releasing” means turning toward emotions, feeling them, and allowing them to move through you, just like a small wave in the ocean.
Releasing exercises are always good to do, but they’re especially useful when we cannot change the situation and have to accept that our wants or needs won’t get met.
A few ways to release emotions include journaling, self-compassion, visualization, and art.
When an emotion is released, you’ll probably feel:
- Calmer or more relaxed
- Lighter
- Physical tension soften (for example, your jaw unclenches, your shoulders drop, your belly moves easily with your breath)
- You can take a deep breath
- Relieved
- Like a weight has been lifted off of you
If you are unsure a releasing exercise is working for you, note how distressed you feel on a scale of 1 (calm) to 10 (very distressed) before and after doing the exercise. Did the number drop at all? If so, that’s a sign it’s working! Keep practicing.
