Feelings: Meant to be Felt, Not Followed - The Five Releases to Ease
We live in a world obsessed with emotions. We analyze them, dissect them, and build narratives around them. We chase after happiness, dread sadness, and try to control the ebb and flow of our emotional tides. But what if our obsession with emotions is actually hindering our ability to experience true ease?
The truth is, emotions are not meant to be followed, but to be felt. They are not personal truths or reflections of our worth,but rather signals from our nervous system, indicating an imbalance, an unresolved threat that needs to be addressed.
Just as a fever signals an infection, emotions signal a disruption in our internal equilibrium. They are the body's way of trying to restore balance, to discharge the pent-up energy of the threat response and return to a state of ease.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this process is beautifully illustrated through the concept of the "Five Releases." Each release corresponds to a specific organ system and emotion, providing a pathway for the discharge of unresolved threat:
Yawning (Spleen/Stomach): Yawning is a natural response to fatigue, stress, and even boredom. It helps to relax the body, calm the digestive tract, and release tension. When we yawn deeply, tears often emerge, further cleansing the system and promoting a sense of release.
Crying (Lungs/Large Intestine): Crying is a powerful way to release sadness, grief, and even joy. It helps to cleanse the lungs and large intestine, allowing us to let go of emotional burdens and breathe more freely.
Trembling (Kidneys/Bladder): Trembling, often associated with fear or anxiety, is the body's way of shaking off excess energy and tension. It helps to dispel fear, ground us in the present moment, and restore a sense of safety.
Anger (Liver/Gallbladder): Anger, when expressed healthily, can be a powerful force for change and self-assertion. Shouting, growling, or even hitting a pillow can help to release pent-up frustration and anger, allowing us to move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Laughter (Heart/Small Intestine): Laughter is a natural antidote to stress and anxiety. It helps to lighten the heart,promote circulation, and boost our immune system. When we laugh deeply, we release tension, connect with others,and experience a sense of joy and lightness.
These five releases are not meant to be forced or contrived. They are natural responses to the ebb and flow of life,pathways for the body to restore balance and return to a state of ease.
When we allow ourselves to feel our emotions fully, without judgment or resistance, we create space for them to move through us. We stop getting caught up in the stories and narratives that perpetuate the threat response. We return to our senses, to the present moment, and to the natural flow of life.
So, the next time you feel a surge of emotion, whether it's sadness, anger, or fear, remember the five releases. Allow yourself to yawn, cry, tremble, shout, or laugh. Don't try to control or suppress the feeling, but simply let it flow through you, cleansing your system and restoring you to a state of ease.