March is the beginning of spring and many of us want to move into a space of spring cleaning. We are obsessed with cleaning out closets, drawers, books and clutter. I find it interesting that we are not as excited to embark on a road to “emotional cleansing”. Emotional cleansing is about activating a willingness to look at the ways in which emotions run our lives. It is about taking the time to dissect old behaviors and patterns that keep us in a constant state of drama. The act of emotional cleansing requires that we slow down and clear out thinking that is not productive, negative self-talk and the clutter of past experiences that haunt us.
Emotional Cleansing is an art form. It takes practice and a deep commitment to shifting. Just like the cleaning out of a closet, this kind of cleaning requires a sorting process; what to keep, what to release and what to give away.
Here are some tips:
1. Sit down and center yourself. Have a journal or a piece of paper next to you. In the quietude of the moment ask “what emotional responses do not serve me?” Do not edit the thoughts. Do not judge the answers. Just witness what comes in. Once you feel clear and calm, write down what came through.
2. Once the list is complete, take some time over the next few days to write how these emotions show up and what triggers them. It is important that you are clear about what “buttons get pushed and how”.
3. Next you will write a list of how shifting these emotional charges can support a more empowered life.
4. Now, create a set of goals (no more than three per issue) that you will begin to implement in the next six months. Only put down goals that you will commit to doing. You do not want to set yourself up for failure. Make sure you have on the goals how you are going to release unwanted behavior (Example: I will count to 10 before I speak when I am angry; I will call my prayer partner before I act out of an emotional place; I will take time to write down how a negative emotional response will not support me and I will choose another response)
5. Make a “win” list and every time you respond differently, document it. The more wins you experience and celebrate….the more there will be in your life.
Take a moment to remember this:
I totally and fully take charge of my emotional reactions. I clear out my negative dramatic tendencies and open to a life of magnificent joy!
Cynthia James is a transformational specialist guiding thousands of people to make changes for lasting healing in their lives. Ms James is a speaker, teacher, performing artist and the award winning author of “What Will Set You Free”. Cynthia has facilitated hundreds of workshops, and keynotes; including Celebrate Your Life, Woman Arising, the Gift in Shift, Colorado Behavior Healthcare Council, the Women’s Success Forum, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detention Facility, and many others. She is the founder of the Cynthia James Support Network; an online support community. Cynthia’s newest book, “Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence”, offers practical tools for self empowerment. www.CynthiaJames.net
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