My spiritual awakening journey started the minute I stopped running away from my feelings and stayed with the painful emotions that were surfacing.

For many of us, facing our deepest emotions can seem insurmountable, like climbing a mountain without any gear. I had to learn to make friends with the pain that would surface viciously at times. The journey was far from easy; there were moments when the emotions were so overwhelming that I couldn’t breathe. Looking back, I realize that feelings are the body’s way of healing itself organically.

Emotions are a big part of our lives. It amazes me how much we run away from this crucial aspect of ourselves. We are quick to embrace happiness and joy, celebrating those moments with enthusiasm. But when it comes to painful feelings—fear of inadequacy, abandonment, rejection, unworthiness—we often choose to flee.

Why do we do this? Many of these negative feelings originate in childhood. A staggering 95% of us come from dysfunctional families where parents controlled us by rarely allowing us to express our feelings. We grew up believing it’s improper to express negative emotions; instead, we must be in control, please others, and look pleasing.

As we grow into adulthood, we continue to suppress and run away from these messy feelings. We turn to various forms of addiction—whether it be sexual, love, alcohol, food, gambling, or drugs—to maintain an artificial sense of control. However, addictions enslave , causing us to lose our sense of freedom and true self-control.

When we fail to express our feelings, they manifest in various ways. They sink into our subconscious and rear their ugly heads in bizarre ways, like anger outbursts or ghosting. This suppression distorts our personalities, hardening our selves. We end up unhappy, lacking peace and joy, and thus spiral further into addiction, perpetuating a vicious cycle.

Owning and expressing our feelings is a gift we should give ourselves.

I have experienced a renewed sense of joy, peace, and freedom since I started taking the time to stay with my feelings.

This decision has allowed me to connect with people authentically.

Here are a few ways you can start to give yourself this gift:

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Start by simply recognizing and naming your feelings. Whether it’s sadness, anger, or fear, acknowledging it is the first step towards dealing with it.

2. Allow Yourself to Feel: Give yourself permission to feel without judgment. Emotions, even the painful ones, are a natural part of being human.

3. Express Your Feelings: Find healthy ways to express what you’re going through. This could be talking to a friend, writing in a journal, or even creating art.

4. Seek Professional Help if Needed: Therapists and counselors can provide invaluable support and tools for dealing with complex emotions.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you stay present with your emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.

6. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who understand and support your journey. Genuine connections can make a significant difference.