Loving What Is

A Life-Changing Method for Processing Emotions

I discovered an emotional processing technique that has transformed how I experience life. It's become such a regular part of my daily routine that I had to share it with you. This simple three-step method beautifully demonstrates love's power to transform our inner world.

Step 1: Identify and Locate

When an emotion arises, first put a name to what you're feeling. Then notice where you feel it in your body. You might feel tightness in your chest, tension in your shoulders, or a knot in your stomach. The order doesn't matter—you can locate the physical sensation first and then identify the emotion, or vice versa. What matters is connecting the feeling with both language and bodily awareness.

Step 2: Witness Without Judgment

Simply observe the emotion with neutral curiosity. Let it exist inside you without trying to change it. Deep breathing helps tremendously here—take a few slow breaths as you watch what's happening within you.

This step is revolutionary because it creates distance between you and your emotions. Instead of thinking "I am angry," you realize "I am witnessing anger." Instead of being consumed by anxiety, you become the observer of anxiety.

Here's the key insight: if you can witness an emotion, you are not that emotion. You're the one observing it. Emotions and thoughts are like clouds passing through the sky—they come and go. You are the sky itself, always present, always aware.

Step 3: Embrace With Love

This is where the magic happens. After witnessing the emotion, fully embrace it. Take a deep breath and love whatever you're feeling with your whole heart.

I know this sounds counterintuitive, especially when dealing with uncomfortable emotions. But here's what I've learned: whatever we resist, persists. Only when we give our emotions space and love can they transform into something else.

The Alchemy of Acceptance

When I embrace my anxiety instead of fighting it, it often transforms into excitement. When I love my anger instead of suppressing it, it becomes passion. Grief, when fully embraced, can become creativity. Sadness can become peace.

I was amazed by how cathartic this process felt. After years of resisting my emotions—which only created more suffering—I discovered something profound: there's an indescribable peace that comes from fully feeling even the most challenging emotions. I finally understood what Joseph Campbell meant when he said, "Every feeling fully felt is bliss."

The Universal Principle

This method taught me something fundamental about transformation: love is the most powerful force in the universe, and real change can only happen through love.

Whatever you want to change, you must first love it. Want to change your emotions? Love the ones that are there first. Want to change your life? Love yourself first. Want to change the world? Love the world first.

This isn't just an emotional processing technique—it's a way of living that honors the transformative power of acceptance and love.

For support with emotional processing, self-love and transformation, contact us.