Emotional Acceptance: Your Feelings Are Internal Guidance

They are part of your rainbow of experience

Photo by Yasin Yusuf on Unsplash

In an ideal world, we would understand the absurdity of being ashamed of our emotions. Shame, though, is often the norm when people are angry or sad.

Some parents encourage their children to hide emotions like fear and sadness. They tell them not to be afraid or unhappy, hoping the instruction will wipe away anxiety. Children, however, learn these emotions are unacceptable.

By the time they grow up, many people believe they should think and feel in specific ways. When their experience differs, they imagine they are faulty and must hide their inner reality.

The idea you ought to cover parts of your mindset is damaging. It suggests you must put on a show. Realistically, your body and mind work toward your greatest good, even when the opposite seems true.

Inflammation, for instance, is a physical response to ward off illness rather than an enemy, though you may know it can cause pain and difficulty.

Likewise, your emotions exist for good reasons. They never arise to harm you. They intend to put you back on track and help make you happy.

“Negative emotions like loneliness, envy, and guilt have an important role to play in a happy life; they’re big, flashing signs that something needs to change.” Gretchen Rubin

Emotions, like inflammation, can get out of hand when a part of your experience needs attention. Something unexpressed previously and pent up, for instance, will explode eventually.

Inflammation can be provoked by stress, too:

“If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness, and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Learn how to cope, sweet friend.” Kris Carr

When you don’t accept yourself

When you are disgusted with your emotions, your psyche is wounded; you feel threatened by the lack of self-acceptance.

Acceptance of all parts of you, warts and all, gives you the chance to examine your mental state and check…