Our past experiences can have a significant impact on our current emotional and mental state. Unresolved past trauma can show up in forms, such as anxiety, sadness and frustration, which presents challenges in both our personal and professional relationships. Therefore, it is essential to fully process these experiences for our overall well-being and personal development.
Understanding Unresolved Pain
Unresolved pain refers to distressing events from the past that continue to affect us because we have not fully processed or integrated them into our self-awareness and narrative. These experiences can linger in our minds and bodies, shaping our thoughts, emotions and actions. Common indicators of pain include ongoing feelings of sorrow, anger or worry and flashbacks.
Effective Methods for Healing Past trauma
To effectively address and heal past trauma, it is important to use specific practices that facilitate emotional release and acceptance. Here are some effective techniques.
Letting go
This technique is an approach for letting go of negative emotions and finding peace. It entails an individual observing their emotions without judgment, accepting them and then making a choice to release them.
Step, by Step Instructions
a. Locate a comfortable spot where you can relax.
b. Close your eyes and ask yourself what am I experiencing right now?
c. Acknowledge the bodily sensations and the emotions you are feeling.
d. Bring awareness to your breath, as it expands and contracts your belly.
e. Now, identify the emotion you wish to let go of, such as anger or sadness.
f. Allow yourself to fully experience this emotion and bodily sensations and sit with it, without trying to push it away. (Continue doing this for about 1 minute).
g. Close your eyes and imagine yourself physically releasing the emotion or attachment. Picture it leaving your body or mind, symbolizing your willingness to let go.
Radical Acceptance
This technique involves acknowledging and embracing the reality of a situation we are struggling to accept.
Step, by Step Instructions
a. Focus on the truth that you are struggling to accept (Life should not be this way”).
b. Bring awareness to your breath, as it expands and contracts your belly.
c. Close your eyes and acknowledge the thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations you are feeling right now.
d. Remind yourself that reality is what it is and cannot be changed.
e. Continue being focused on your breath and allow any emotions of thoughts to arise within as you practice loving yourself with each in breath and loving the moment with each out breath.
The Healing Power of Expressive Writing
Writing serves as a therapeutic method where you write about your feelings and thoughts linked to painful experiences. This process aids in processing emotions, gaining insights and achieving a sense of closure.
Step, by Step Instructions
a. Dedicate a certain amount of time everyday you feel comfortable with to write without any distractions.
b. Write about your thoughts and emotions related to the difficult experience.
c. Fully explore your deepest emotions and thoughts and then reflect on your writing.
Conclusion
Healing from past pain takes time. Be patient and gentle with yourself, while practicing the right tools. By acknowledging unresolved emotions through practices, such as letting go, radical acceptance and expressive writing, you can start to release the emotions that keep some of us stuck in the emotions of the past.