Emotional Freedom in an Emotional World

“Always, emotional freedom involves choosing where you put your attention.”— Judith Orloff

Since the beginning of 2020, life has been an emotional roller coaster for me. As we enter the second half of the year, things haven't improved much.

There have been times when anxiety surged, yet expressing those feelings has been challenging. Many of us are accustomed to freely sharing our emotions, but this year has forced us to hold back.

This situation prompted me to reflect: Are we truly free when we have to suppress emotions that disrupt our work or relationships? Are we free when we can express our feelings, but only in a controlled manner, regardless of their intensity? Are we allowed to feel bliss and peace but discouraged from experiencing anger or anxiety?

Conscious awareness encourages us to engage with our emotions and understand their significance. It leads us to a deeper understanding of our inner lives, embracing its complexities.

Emotional freedom requires us to discern our internal landscape from external influences. To achieve true freedom, we must acknowledge our emotions, embrace them, and reflect on their meanings. Emotions are powerful indicators of our inner state; when we view them as gifts of the human experience, we can learn to navigate them in healthy ways.

Take a moment to reflect on how you’ve dealt with your emotions this week. Consider what you’ve learned about managing them—whether through engagement or avoidance. Identifying your patterns can help you understand what might be obstructing your emotional freedom.