Unveiling Hidden Emotional Blockages

One of the most prevalent hidden blockages I come across as a coach is the concept of “feeling about the feeling”. In essence, this refers to the tendency to overlay a surface emotion over a deeper one, creating a blockage in our emotional processing.

When we say ‘I’m angry’, it may actually be a cover for deeper feelings, such as sadness or frustration. This layering of emotions can obscure our true feelings and create confusion in addressing them effectively. Hence why it’s crucial to cultivate awareness of this distinction. The surface emotion has the power to keep you running in circles.

Judging or resisting our emotions only creates another layer of challenge and complexity. Instead of directly addressing the root emotion, we get caught up in how we feel about feeling that particular emotion, further complicating our ability to process it. It's important to recognize that while the surface emotion/feeling is real and valid, it can divert our attention from the deeper aspects that require our care and attention.

So how can you work with this?

Practicing acknowledging feelings without judgment is key. By doing so, we can navigate them more clearly and effectively.

One way to practice this through what I can micro check-ins with ourselves. Whether it’s in the car, sitting at the cafe, or before sleep, take a moment to shift your awareness, tap in to your body and identify what you’re feeling and what it’s related to? Simply naming the feeling/emotion can be a powerful practice in itself. For example, “I am experiencing …… in me, and it is related to …….” (You fill in the blanks).

Addressing hidden emotional blockages is an essential piece in the emotional processing puzzle, ultimately helping to unblock those barriers that keep us stuck. By recognizing the impact of “feeling about the feeling" and practising awareness without judgment, we can begin to unravel these blockages and move forward with greater clarity and understanding.