We are entitled to feeling all of our emotions. Although considered by some to be ‘intangible’, and therefore not significant, stress and our emotions play a tremendous role in our overall well-being and, ultimately, in our physical health and longevity. It is when we don’t acknowledge our true feelings that they can grow to cause dis-ease.
Emotional health is demonstrated by people who can meet the typical stressors of life with an open mind, an optimistic outlook, and resilience. Instead of dreading unexpected events or challenges, they can let it engage their curiosity and lead them to find a new approach without feeling defeated. Some may look at these people and say that they are just lucky and that nothing bad seems to happen to them, although life experiences happen to all of us, and no one is immune to illness, hardships like job loss, or tragedies like losing a loved one. However by remaining positive, such people may answer that their life is indeed blessed, regardless of what has befallen them. According the Heart Math Institute, “Intentionally invoking positive emotions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce unhealthy stress.” Choosing positive emotions completely alters our perspective, makes challenges seem less overwhelming, and creates the opportunity for a successful outcome when others may see only failure.
Some consider that stress response may be genetic because people tend to respond in similar ways to that of their family, however I believe that this is in greater part due to nurture rather than nature. Growing up with examples of positive attitude and fortitude, people learn the successful way of meeting challenges and find that victory can be even sweeter when it is hard won. On the other hand, seeing role models meet challenges with fear, overwhelm, or discouragement can establish the belief that obstacles are insurmountable, and the response to such a stressor can be immobilizing. This builds into a cycle of feeling defeated and disempowered, and can lead to despair. Such a negative attitude can lead to health concerns, as poor sleep or depression may lead to inactivity, worsening health or weight issues. Hypertension and cardiac issues may develop, and the cycle spins out of control. Instead of seeking ways to overcome these challenges, the despairing protest “why me?”
Recognizing what emotions are generated by different stressors empowers people to regain control of their reaction. When we are able to identify what emotion we are feeling, we also have the opportunity to ask ourselves what else has made us feel the same way. Is our reaction a result of prior experience? Was it previously a successful reaction, or was there something that can now be done differently, in order to experience better results? Taking a moment to pause is something we have to train ourselves to do, but the act of identifying the emotion that results from an experience is a great way to begin.
Used widely in Europe and the US for more than 50 years, flower essences support health and wellbeing by balancing emotions and strengthening the energetic body. These safe, natural remedies can help you to rediscover the feeling of peace that may be eluding you, as you quiet the fears and anxieties that limit your potential and may be draining your relationships. Utilizing flower essences in specific combinations, we can relieve emotional obstacles (like irritability, inability to focus, feeling overwhelmed or isolated) that over time can weaken your physical body and make you more susceptible to disease.
“There is no true healing unless there is a change in outlook, peace of mind, and inner happiness.”
Dr. Edward Bach
The good news is that we have the power to control our response to stress! We aren’t destined to see our health suffer as life turns up the heat. We can be forged into a stronger person, instead of feeling bent out of shape. As we gain a deeper understanding of our emotions, we see not only how but why we respond in our unique ways. And we have the opportunity to take something that doesn’t benefit us and make it into an experience of insight and deeper knowledge of our true self.
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