[Post] Pandemic Self Care: Feeling my feelings

Photo by Ann on Unsplash

This afternoon there was a moment I felt overwhelmed by un-namable feelings. I had heard something inconsequential that triggered a wave of … I tried to name it: fear? worry? grief?

Or maybe all of these, in an emotion mash-up soup? I saw a space in my calendar between things, and thought, What if I felt these feelings? How would I do that?

I set a timer for seven minutes and laid on the couch. I closed my eyes and consciously inhaled. Exhaled. How does one feel their feelings?

I attempted to notice where in my body I felt the feelings. That wasn’t so successful, so I went back to breathing.

I made a mental list of all the possible triggers for these feelings. Then I felt anxious. Add that to the soup. 😬

What if I personified one feeling I could identify: Grief. I greeted Grief like a friend on the other side of the couch.

Hi Grief, I see you. What do you need most in this moment?

The space below my eyes felt heavy, though no outward tears came.

The timer went off, and I felt a tiny bit better.