The Permission to Feel

Do we need to take permission to feel?

In a world where we often deny ourselves permission to feel, our emotions remain suppressed and misunderstood. We go through life pretending that our feelings are inconsequential, fearing their messiness and vulnerability. Yet, our emotions are an integral part of what makes us human, shaping our experiences and interactions. It is time to challenge this status quo and free ourselves to embrace our emotional journey fully.

What do we mean by Suppressing Emotions?

From a young age, we learn to suppress our emotions, influenced by societal norms and role models who themselves have learned to deny their true feelings. We hide behind masks, avoiding difficult conversations and resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. By denying ourselves permission to feel, we become disconnected from our emotions, leading to numbness and confusion. Unable to identify, understand, or express our emotions, we become powerless to manage them effectively.

Let's talk about the cost of emotional suppression. The consequences of our inability to navigate our emotional lives are far-reaching. We witness alarming statistics, such as rising rates of illicit drug use among adolescents and young adults, escalating incidents of bullying and harassment in schools, and high-stress levels among teachers. Furthermore, workplace disengagement and mental health conditions plague our society, leading to a significant economic burden. It is clear that ignoring our emotions only exacerbates these problems, highlighting the urgent need for change.

It is time to shift our mindset and permit ourselves to feel. By embracing our emotions, we gain control over them, harnessing their power to enrich our lives instead of allowing them to control us. These skills are not innate but can be learned, providing an opportunity for personal growth and emotional well-being.

Reclaiming the power within us is essential in a world that often discourages emotional exploration. By embracing our emotional journey, we can understand, express, and master our feelings, creating a healthier and more fulfilling existence.

-Shrawani Naik