02/17/2022
Can I get vulnerable with you for a minute?
I have spent the better part of the last few years learning to get more in touch with my emotions. I’m an Enneagram 9, which means I struggle with anything that causes internal conflict, and let me just say—feeling angry, sad, or even strong joy causes a degree of discomfort for me. I like to keep things safe, manageable, and in my control.
Maybe you relate? Most of my 9 clients in private practice also struggle to identify, name, and sit with their emotions. What I’ve learned, however, is that as a body type, I tend to carry my emotions in my body if I haven’t dealt with them. There is so much research on this, but a great place to start is with Bessel Van der Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score.
Unless we can learn to identify, express, and resolve core emotions, we tend to get stuck in meta-emotions like anxiety, guilt, or shame. Whereas core emotions like anger or sadness can resolve in 90-120 seconds, anxiety and shame can linger for days, weeks, or seasons.
After reading The Wisdom of the Body and It’s Not Always Depression last year, I started incorporating some very specific, new ways of slowing down, tuning in to my body, and giving myself permission to feel, process, and express all the things I usually keep inside. It’s been so transformational for me, and I’m ready to share what I’ve learned with you.
Over the next few weeks, I’d love to share my heart, my knowledge, and my practices with you. Thanks for being here. You are worth the hard work of transformation. 💙
