Honoring our Emotions
“I am willing to feel all my feelings. I will make space for my anger and look at what it’s showing me”-Letting Your Shadow in by Susanne L’Heureux
As an Equine Gestaltist, my job is to teach clients that they truly hold the key to their healing. During our sessions, the horses and I hold space for the client to be able to connect with the sensations in their body and give them a voice. It’s an opportunity to connect with the feelings and emotions they are holding onto as they share their stories. These stories and experiences may have caused pain, confusion, shame, anger, grief, guilt, abandonment…the list of emotions goes on and on. Once they begin to feel and release the energy from the stories they’ve held onto, becoming aware and able to make future choices from a place of self-compassion, love, and forgiveness, their lives will be forever changed. As this process unfolds, they can begin to expand their awareness and see the beauty of their soul, embracing both the beautiful and less beautiful parts of themselves. Our emotions, if not fully expressed, can become stuck and slowly erode our ability to navigate life.
I was creating content for my Teen Group for a class I am calling, “ Challenges as Teachers The Horses Celebration of You.” Our discussion was to be about challenges in life and how we can reflect back and find opportunities for learning. As they say, the Universe will always present lessons that you still need to learn. I would say that most of the time this is easier said than done. However, I believe that if we take the time to acknowledge our pain, frustration, and sadness—truly sit with and feel these emotions, even yell, scream, or cry—we will be better equipped to face any future challenges. You will begin to experience life from a place of awareness and become less reactionary to the challenges life presents. You can begin to live in the present moment, just like the horses do. It’s a powerful place to be.
With that being said, this healing journey is an ongoing process. Life will always present you with challenges. My hope is that as you move through life you will begin to honor and respect your emotions as messengers to be explored. To be honest, I too have challenges. In fact, a few weeks ago I was in a rather emotional rollercoaster of showing up for others more than showing up for myself. You know the equation: too much energy out and not enough energy in. It’s a perfect equation for breaking down. At the time, I was experiencing a shit-storm of emotions. Interestingly enough, a close family member questioned why I was so emotional. Why couldn’t I follow the stress management techniques I teach my clients? Bam— it was a shot to the heart, hitting that core belief of not being good enough. Imposter Syndrome. This sent me into the outer space of oblivion, feeling pissed off. What??? I thought. You think I teach stress management? Ugh! You don’t even know what I do out there. How could you not know? I could have spiraled into thoughts of not being good enough, believing I am unable or incapable of showing up for others if I cannot manage my own emotions. I sat with these feelings, and they kind of got stuck right in my throat for a while. I stomped around the house angry. Then it dawned on me-go out to the horses. Yes, I too sometimes forget I have them right in my backyard 24/7 for any consultation. So I went out with them and immediately began to cry-I
mean really cry. Those emotions were pouring out of me like a fountain. I allowed my tears to flow and they simply stood with me. They held space, no judgment, no side-commentary. They had every opportunity to run from me but they stayed right by my side. You see, the horses are really only interested in our authentic feelings. They can easily detect incongruencies in our energy field. For example, pretending to be happy when you may be sad inside. Trying to “fake it until you make it.” The horses want to know your truth and if you are open to allowing those emotions and feelings to pour out, they are more than happy to stand by, share space and listen. It’s like they are able to sit with us and just allow us to be and feel our body fully. Like that best friend that allows you to share your feelings but does not offer a prescription for what you should do to change your situation. Just hold space (PS those friends are very rare).
That is the beauty of the Equine Gestalt Method. Whatever you are holding onto just know that it’s important to allow yourself to feel fully and authentically. Not all of us have horses nearby but you may have a friend who can hold space for you. Or perhaps you have a dog or cat that you can sit with and fully feel your emotions and allow them to flow.
Know you are loved, you are worthy, and you are in charge of creating a life that is fulfilling and happy
When you allow yourself to release these emotions I guarantee you will be more inspired to connect with what you love. Find what makes you smile, and follow that path with faith.
In Joy and Healing~ Vivian, Luca and Skye Mama