Lenten Step 23: Cleansing Yourself Of Negative Emotions

I commit to cleansing myself of negative emotions. 

Trucking around unresolved emotional baggage will sooner or later overwhelm if not paralyze you. Because I know this, I have to take the time ever so often, to do some emotional cleansing. I know too, that the process of cleansing is different for everyone.

Emotional cleansing for some means having a ‘good bawl’. Others write. Some let loose and cuss, and still others work it out in some kind of strenuous sporting activity.

I have never been much of a bawler. I get terrible headaches after crying too much. But whenever I suppress my emotions I end up getting what some people call ‘soul sickness’. You have so much wrapped up inside that acts like slow poison.

You know, I once visited a doctor who recommended that I close the door of my office so that no one will hear and then let a few choice words (some Jamaican fabric) rip and I’d be amazed at how much better I feel. What do you think? Do you think I followed his advice?

Being aware of the poisonous effects of {tag-tec]negative emotions[/tag-tec] that are left unconfronted and thus unresolved, I tend to be direct and say it like it is. That is not a popular trait I tell you. We live in an age where people have grown comfortable living in lies and denial. Being open and direct is not fashionable – no matter how gentle you do it. We have grown accustomed to a diet of deceit.

You can choose to be deceitful, suppress your emotions and live a lie, or be honest about your feelings. It is much healthier to confront your emotions and deal with them. 

So take some time for yourself. Find a quiet spot, think, write, bawl, meditate or pray. Rid yourself of the things that are standing in your way of growth. This is not an invitation to start a Cry Fest now. I don’t want you to sink into depression, but don’t let me stop you from having a ‘good bawl’. Write till your heart is set free. And if push come to shove – Close the door behind you…. and sin not!

The point is to clean out and rid yourself of -
                              Hatred

Bitterness
                          Resentment

Insecurities

                              Anxiety

Unforgiveness
                              Bigotry

Go ahead and develop the list to suit your situation. The important thing is to see the danger in harboring negative emotions, and commit to cleansing yourself of them.

All the best to a cleansed and blossoming you,
Marvia