Sometimes, an emotion we’re examining is hard to resolve. This may be because we cannot find the memory behind it, or it may be due to more complex issues.
Other times, you may not want to ask yourself 20 questions about the emotion.
In either case, a powerful alternative is to simply write down everything you can about the emotion and any memories associated with it. This lets the emotion speak and be heard. When done completely, the emotion will have fulfilled its purpose and it will release itself.
Many people use this writing exercise as the primary way they work through their emotions. Here’s how it’s done:
- Focus on your emotion. Amplify it. Let the emotion consume your consciousness.
- Write down the stream of consciousness thoughts you have about the emotion.
- If you find yourself wandering off-topic from the emotion, refocus on the feeling. Write about the feeling.
- At some point, you will feel that you no longer have anything to write. The emotion should have lessened in intensity or been completely released.
You can follow along using this worksheet, too.
Basically, this exercise lets your mind do the emotional processing for you. Your mind will explain and correct its own assumptions during the writing.
It’s a really powerful technique. It’s useful all the time and can really help when you are having difficulty resolving an emotion.
