When we think about our daily lives, we often focus on our routines, our jobs, and our relationships. But have we ever stopped to consider the feelings we experience throughout the day? From the moment we wake up until we go to sleep, our emotions are in constant flux. What we feel has a powerful impact, not only on our bodies but also on our relationships and the very atmosphere around us.

I’ve realized that some feelings tend to linger, getting trapped within us. We might call them "trapped emotions" or suppressed feelings, and if we don't address them spiritually, they can manifest as physical ailments. I've seen this in my work as a counselor and psychiatrist, where issues like chronic headaches, breathing problems, stomach issues, and even arthritis can be connected to unaddressed emotional pain. While medicine and exercise can help, they often can't fully heal us if the root emotional issues remain. This is where spiritual practice becomes essential.

Releasing Trapped Emotions

The first step in this healing process is to look within and become aware of ourselves. I encourage a simple but powerful exercise to identify and release these trapped emotions.

First, observe how you feel throughout the day and ask yourself where in your body you sense those feelings. Is it a tightness in your chest? A knot in your stomach? A persistent pain in your head?

Once you've identified the physical location, visualize these emotions not as parts of you, but as "little animals" that have come inside your body without an invitation. These emotions have taken up residence and are refusing to leave.

Next, imagine your true self, speaking to these little animals. Tell them, "You have to let go. You have to leave my body now." They will likely respond, "Not yet, because we're here to give you a message." They remain because you haven't yet understood what they are trying to tell you.

Now, take the time to really listen to their message. What are these emotions trying to teach you? Is it about a situation you need to address? A boundary you need to set? A fear you need to confront? After you've listened and understood their message, tell them again that they can go. Visualize them leaving your body peacefully.

After they are gone, retreat into the space of your pure energy—your soul. This practice helps to heal the body by addressing the emotional and energetic roots of pain.

Shifting Your Focus from Pain to Peace

Another crucial aspect of this process involves shifting your mind's focus. The mind doesn't understand the word "no." If you tell yourself, "I don't want to feel this pain," your mind still focuses on the pain. Instead, you must direct your mind toward what you do want to feel.

Instead, visualize yourself six months from now, See yourself completely peaceful, happy, and confident. This positive visualization creates a pathway for healing. This shift in focus is incredibly powerful and, as I’ve seen in my practice, it can significantly reduce chronic pain.

The Power of God's Energy

Sometimes, we need a higher power to help us heal. A spiritual leader told me, "Don't think." At first, I was surprised, but when I stopped overthinking and began a practice of silent meditation, The result was truly magical and led to wonderful changes in my life.

To truly receive this divine energy, we must be willing to let go of our fears, desires, and thoughts. When you do this, you enable yourself to heal faster, both physically and emotionally.

The Importance of Forgiveness

Finally, we must talk about forgiveness. I once worked with a young woman in the last stages of cancer who couldn't find peace. She was consumed by guilt over something she felt she had done. We did a practice where she talked to God and forgave herself and the other person involved. The very next day, she passed away peacefully. This experience taught me the immense power of forgiveness.

I always ask myself, if this were my last moment, would I want to carry any negative feelings toward anyone? The answer is always no. We may not be able to change how others feel about us, but we can control how we feel about ourselves and others. The most important thing we can do is to cleanse our own hearts, let go of grudges, and forgive.

Sr.Marianne Lizana
Brahma Kumaris, San Jose, Costa Rica