In my most recent post (click here to read it) I shared that sometimes it helps to give voice to what’s stirring inside. This is just one of the tools I use when I’m sensing I’m out of balance. And it happens to all of us. Did you know we have a natural bent toward processing life? Our go-to when trouble arises?
Some of us are thinkers (that’s me), some doers, and others are feelers. It’s kind of like being right-handed. It doesn’t mean we don’t use our left hand, it’s just not our natural first choice. Discovering this has helped me navigate life with more peace and grace.
Since I naturally turn to thinking first, I’m prone to ignore my emotions altogether. The trouble is, ignoring my feelings doesn’t make them go away. They just simmer under the surface of my days. For me, balance comes when I am intentional about making room to consider all the ways God has given us to process the world.
If you are wondering what your natural bent is, I suggest paying attention to your words. When something unexpected comes, how do you begin to talk to yourself and others about it?
What happens first on the inside?
Do you begin your sentences with “I feel ……” or “I think…”?
Maybe you jump right in to “do” something.
Learning to bring balance to my thoughts, feelings, and doing takes work. And since I’m prone to think (and overthink), I have a few spiritual practices that make room for feeling and doing. And a few practices for other bents too.
A practice everyone needs.
Breathe
Before I jump to doing, feeling, or thinking I practice the pause. Taking a full minute to pay attention to each inhale and exhale. Imagining God’s Spirit moving in and out of me and whatever circumstance I’m facing.
Practices to move from thinking to feeling and doing.
Name It
When I’m feeling antsy and all stirred up, I try to put into words what I’m feeling. It doesn’t always come easily, but naming it somehow allows me to be with the emotion without fear of getting stuck.
Move
If I’m feeling overwhelmed or really angry and my thoughts are spinning out of control, it’s time for a walk. Doing something with my body allows the energy of strong emotions and running thoughts to dissipate.
Create
In the moments when all the thinking I can do will not fix or control what’s happening, I do something creative that doesn’t take too much energy. The nights leading up to my husband’s recent surgery were filled with uncertainty, and it was hard to sleep. I found coloring to be a helpful tool to settle my mind.
Share with Others
Find someone to share with… a counselor, spiritual director, or close friend. I’ve found great insight in those who process differently than me. I have friends who are great at feelings that gently lead me to the places I don’t often want to go to on my own.
Practices to move towards thinking, but not overthinking.
Make a List
When I’m feeling overwhelmed with all the things to do. I make a list. Sometimes mental. Sometimes I write it down. Then I choose the three that take the least amount of energy and do them. This helps get the momentum going and ease my overwhelm.
Journal the Questions
No matter your bent, whether you tend to think, feel, or do, asking yourself a few questions can bring balance. These are a few of my favorites to journal.
Is this completely true? Notice words like always, everyone, or never.
What am I attempting to control? or change?
What am I really expecting?
Please know these are just tools in my toolbox. I would caution you to choose the one that draws your attention or maybe the one you are least likely to want to do, instead of attempting them all at once. They are built on the foundation that I am not alone in the thinking, feeling, or doing. God is right there with me. Listening, tending, and holding it all together.
I pray it is the same for you.
If you sense the need to practice processing emotions further, you’ll find a helpful prayer guide on the free resource page at Discover God’s Way, or click the link below.
Or perhaps you would like to practice breathing. Here is a guide for that too.
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