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EXERCISE | Emotional Expression
Just for fun, try this exercise.

On the pages that follow is a list of emotions and feelings. Find a place where you can
experience quiet, uninterrupted peace. As you read the emotions on this list, select an emotion
to ‘play with’. Soak up the emotion, think of circumstances or people that will allow you to
experience the emotion fully. Invite the emotion into your mind, whether it invokes positive or
negative qualities to you. Allow each emotion you select to become your friend. The more
deeply you role play with each emotion, the more you will become aware of the physiological
changes each emotion creates within you.

After you have done this and are able to feel the emotion fully in your body, now say the words,
"I feel (excited) ," or "I feel (shy) ." Then notice how much of the emotion is conveyed through
the words, not to judge yourself, but to be able to get more and more comfortable with full
emotional expressions.

Some emotions will be fun and easy, others may be more difficult and painful. It all depends on
what your past experience has been. Many of the emotions will bring up memories for you, and
this is wonderful and healthy. The more open you are to feeling whatever is there for you, the
more transformed and healed you will become. Each emotion is a treasure, a gift of experience
for you to broaden the quality of your life. Remember that all emotions are just different
variations of the same energy, which is love.

When you get comfortable with the emotion, try using it constructively in the world. Use those
three simple words “I feel (happy)” with someone you are close to. Children are wonderful to
practice on -- they will understand and respond. Focus on the emotional content. You can even
express the emotion without the words!

Then practice with adults as well. Do not be attached to others' response but focus on enjoying
your own expression. That is the purpose of this - it is for your own health, truth, and expressing
who you are. Whatever others do with your expression, well this is up to them. Truth attracts
truth. Your true and pure expression of emotion will most likely stimulate some kind of inner
emotional truth for them as well. It may be fear, anger, delight, or defensiveness. Whatever the
response is, appreciate what is unfolding in them.

You might also use this list to check in with yourself periodically throughout the day to ask
yourself, "What am I feeling right now?" See if you can identify the feeling, or just refer to the list
to find an emotion that fits.

Another way to use this list is as a game of emotional charades. One person acts out the
emotion while the other guesses the emotion. You can do this between lovers to add emotional
depth to the relationship. Also, it will help to teach your children to identify their own feelings.

The bottom line is to have fun and learn as much as you can about yourself.