“If you’re having trouble determining whether you’re Okay or Not Okay, tune into your body for a minute and see if you find any clues. Our bodies are constantly feeding us information about how we’re doing, but we have to pay attention to learn.“- Jennifer Allen (bolding author’s)
And [Jesus] said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”- Mark 5:34 (ESV)
Jennifer Allen concludes Chapter 8 of Untangle Your Emotions with the observation that noticing is essential to connecting. Hence, when Jesus met the woman who’d been bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34), He wanted more for her than physical healing. Jesus wanted to look her in the eyes and begin a relationship with her. Therefore, He used intimate language: “Daughter.”
Above all, the woman pushed through every barrier to touch Jesus. And the moment she touched Him, Jesus turned and found her. Yet, Jennifer notes this truth. That we spend so much time in our head that it may feel awkward to feel for once. As a result, Jennifer exhorts us to persevere, to acknowledge the feelings we’re feeling. Because when we fake that we’re okay, we do ourselves no favors.
Consequently, Jennifer strongly suggests that you adopt this practice the next time you feel a feeling arise in yourself. Whether in your body, brain, spirit, or soul. Stop what you’re doing. Just for a second, take time to stop. Instead of brushing your feeling aside, notice that feeling and connect with it. In addition, Jennifer states, you may find it helpful to ask yourself two questions:
- What do I sense in myself emotionally? Am I Okay or Not Okay?
- Can I sit with either reality for a bit?
In conclusion, Jennifer underscores, we accustom ourselves to blowing off our bodies’ signals. So, it’s always astounding when we first realize how chatty our bodies have been all along.
Today’s question: What most helps you tune in to whether you’re Okay or Not Okay? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Work with our emotions”
