And here I sit again, blocked. Wondering if I can translate my feelings, hopes, dreams, and passions into words that will capture the attention of someone out in the world that is living the same experience as me. Afraid that whatever I write on paper will ultimately be deemed stupid - judged by assumptive or naive misunderstanding. The fear inside that says what I have to offer is just silly and what I feel isn't valid.
Take a look at my inner world and see how it may parallel any of your own thinking, feeling, doing, or being...
My creativity is blocked.
I breathe and feel blockage in my stomach the most (safety and power) and a little bit in my throat (freedom of expression).
This means I am in default, or culturally learned survival mode, suppressing my power and expression.
I breathe again and prepare to unlearn old emotional reaction, becoming emotionally-regulated and responsive.
I choose to release fear - I am safe and powerful.
I choose to release suppression - I am free to express myself.
Through the heart, inhale POWER. Exhale FEAR. Repeat several times.
Through the heart, inhale FREEDOM. Exhale SUPPRESSION. Repeat several times.
Pause and scan the body. I soften as the midnbody is working for me without forced change.
Stand up. Yawn. Stretch. Sing. Jump. Dance. I move, make noise, and take up space in my physical environment.
Now I write ... just letting the passion flow.
In these moments of powerful emotional charge, I turn to music to complete the releasing process. Like many other girls and women I know, our favorite songs move us through challenging moments and phases of life. The tune, beat, and lyrics are embodied by the mind, body, and soul. We don't just think music, we feel and live it. This is how we can literally pick our feet up out of those puddles of emotions that can quickly become sinking sank without even noticing. The crazy thing is this happens not only with 'negative' emotions, but also with 'positive' emotions.
Anytime we experience an emotionally charged moment, we remember it in more places than just the brain. It has been proven through neuroscience that the charge of these memories grows stronger with repetition AND depth ... and they are stored fractally throughout our mindbody. In other words, the more senses involved and the more heightened those sense become, the more deeply embodied the emotional charge is throughout our whole being. That's why one tune, one scent, one scene can begin to stir up memories, scenarios, ideas, knowledge, inspiration, and feelings that we previously might have considered impossible or forgotten.
In times when you feel blocked, stuck, or like you are clinging to an emotionally-charged state of being, go inward for a moment of mindfulness and introspection. Breathe. Pay attention to the body - what do you notice? What do you want to do about this experience... continue with the buzz, give up hope, admit defeat, rush and spin with excitement, or let go? Become more aware of the physical states of being which you experience so that you can better decipher the emotional messages or needs of self being presented. You have the power to release the patterns and cycles that repeat in your life.
One of my all-time favorite songs to remind me I'm on the right path is Little Miss by Sugarland. The song has an amazing story about how a simple affirmation was turned into an inspirational song and eventually The Little Miss Project. It's all about letting go of what no longer serves us, what hurts us, what holds us back from being even greater than we already are.
Before you listen to this song, get a piece of paper:
Write down something that has happened or a tough challenge you're facing.
Beneath it, write down, "I'm going to be okay." (Or another affirmation you need.)
When you let go and tears come, remember you're doing a soul workout. :)
I love you, Beautiful Soul. Enjoy this video.
In case you want to read the lyrics:
Little Miss down on love, Little Miss I give up, Little Miss I'll get tough, don't you worry 'bout me anymore
Little Miss checkered dress, Little Miss one big mess, Little Miss I'll take less when I always give that so much more
Little Miss do your best, Little Miss never rest, Little Miss, be my guest, I'll make more anytime it runs out
Little Miss you'll go far, Little Miss hide your scars, Little Miss who you are is so much more than you like to talk about
Little Miss brand new start, Little Miss do your part, Little Miss big ole heart beats wide open, she's ready now for love
Hold on, hold on, you are loved, are loved
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win, It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again I'm okay, It'll be alright again