healing moment: feel the feeling (erin jean warde)

If you often find you want to numb yourself in a difficult feeling — and sometimes we don’t realize we are doing it until we are doing it! — try to pause and feel the feeling.

Today’s art is “Whirlwind of Feelings” by Leonid Afremov.

feel the feeling

If you often find you want to numb yourself in a difficult feeling — and sometimes we don’t realize we are doing it until we are doing it! — try to pause and feel the feeling.

I’ve shared this before, but it bears repeating: neurologically, the experience of a feeling lasts about 90 seconds.

When you feel the rush of an emotion, especially one you might want to quickly escape — set a timer for 1 minute 30 seconds and just feel it.

Having an “end time” can help us weather it, because we don’t expect it to last forever. It also puts an end to wallowing.

Take note of how you feel when the timer goes off. You might be surprised by how some of the immediacy of wanting to numb the feeling has passed.

Then, care for yourself accordingly as you navigate the further reality of the experience, as whatever else about the experience unfolds. <3

healing moment

This weekly post provides practical insight into recovery, sobriety, changing how we cope, connecting with our minds, bodies, and souls, and more. It could be any of the following: quote, podcast rec, coaching technique, or something else completely. This is a form of free support for you, dear friends! I hope this gives you even more care. <3