It is important to rethink the language we use around emotions to combat stigma. Terms such as positive/negative, good/bad imply that some emotions are desirable while others should be avoided. However, all emotions are natural and serve a purpose. Using terms such as "comfortable" or "uncomfortable" ", we let go of the expectation that emotions are desirable and instead acknowledge that physical sensations can be unpleasant. In therapy, many clients describe "getting stuck in emotions" and having to "just bear with it until they pass." I find this way of thinking to be ineffective because tolerating emotions implies a lack of autonomy over one's experiences. Emotions can often be perceived as a problem if we lack the skills to interact with and process them. Terms we use when someone tolerates physical sensations that they do not like, including attack, abuse, trauma, and lack of consent. Sometimes emotions can feel like an attack on the body. They can come without warning and last longer than we expect. Unlike being touched without consent by another person, we are responsible for our own emotional reactions. Here are four approaches to dealing with your emotional experiences so that you can begin to process them. Admit to yourself that you are experiencing an unpleasant emotion. Label. Do you have a word to express the emotion? Can you define it as anxiety, stress, sadness? If you lack language, can you think of a word that could express this feeling? Focus of attention. Pay close attention to what is happening in your body. Do you feel tight? Where is it? Do you feel tension? In what areas? Place your hand on those parts of the body in which you feel the emotion and “breathe into this place.” Try to describe the sensations in as much detail as possible. Is this feeling moving? At what pace? Does it feel heavy or light? Is it possible to compare it with something? Sticky? Hotter? Does it have a color, a shape? Using one or more of these techniques, you will learn to recognize your emotions and understand what is happening to you. More useful posts in the Telegram channel - follow the link