We are Not Our Emotions: Separating one's vibrant soul with a stressful situation helps reduce stress, reports Dr. Sarette Zecharia.

Just as we have 10 different fingernails, that does not make us a fingernail. Many people laugh at this analogy, but the reality is that the majority of people use this logic when it comes to their emotions. It is easy to say, “I am anxious,” or “I am depressed,” and accept that this is reality, yet just like fingernails, we all have more than one.

Emotions are heightened by levels of stress. Not only does the environment add to stress, but so do our language and word choices. The more stressed a person becomes, the more he or she suffers in pain on all levels: spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Stress encourages negative emotions and thoughts that can become extremely harmful to a person’s well-being.

A way to ensure that we do not become our emotions is to create a separation between our vibrant soul and the situational stressor. This can be achieved by observing and accepting or taking responsibility for our emotions and then reminding ourselves that we truly have control and choice.

This opens up the possibility that a person is above and beyond these limitations or little speed bumps. This is just the beginning step in creating the space to start feelings and exploring emotions as they arise. Placing things in perspective can be powerful and life-altering. Acceptance means changes become doable and attainable. When there are no other people to place in the way, more than three-quarters of the obstacles have been removed.

Breathing is another powerful tool, as it is the basis of our existence. Effective breathing ensures that we remain alive and healthy because stress and lack of breathing go hand-in-hand. Practicing deep breathing and continuously reminding ourselves of our own power and ability is a powerful tool to ensure that we do not become our emotions.

Dr. Sarette Zecharia is a holistic integrative psychologist at Rehab Arizona, in Scottsdale. For more information, phone 480-659-2301.

 

Emotional Affirmations

 

This tool can be repeated as many times as needed in stressful and overwhelming situations. It is important to add deep breathing before and after repeating each affirmation.

I am not my feelings.

I am not my emotions.

I am not my beliefs.

I am not my fixations.

I am not my perceptions.

I am not my judgments.

They all belong to me and I choose.

The second aspect of this tool or exercise is that a person begins to take responsibility for himself or herself.