I‘ve always known about feelings and needs. Most of us are aware of them. But I recall vividly the first time I actually experienced truly acknowledging and embodying them.
I was sitting in a large circle of colleagues, with two Non Violent Communication/Compassionate Communication facilitators who were asking us to share what we were feeling AND... I went blank.
BLANK. What was I feeling?!?!
Interestingly, I wasn’t the only one. As I scanned the room, I saw panic and hesitation on every face.
In my 20 years experience working with clients I’ve realized most of us struggle to understand our true feelings and needs.
The facilitators of the workshop taught us a very effective and efficient way to process, acknowledge, and decode our feelings and needs by first, selecting words from the worksheets that follow. It seems like a such a simple thing to choose a word from a list, but when you’re lost and overwhelmed, it’s often just the nudge you need to become aware of what’s really going on in your mind and heart.
Awareness is crucial. Because you can’t evolve what you’re unaware of.
Since then, I use these sheets (which I’ve laminated for myself and clients) on a daily basis. I take the time, even 2 minutes, to check in and acknowledge what I am feeling. This practice helps me accept my feelings (which is important because avoiding our feelings actually multiplies our pain). This acceptance helps me get grounded and clear about how to move forward with my day <3
I hope this daily ritual brings you much clarity and peace.
