Releasing a Thought and It’s Emotion

In last week’s message, I shared that in the Irish language, an emotion is expressed as “sadness is on me” rather than “I am sad.” Other emotions can be substituted here as well.

This past week, I was reminded of the value of this practice.

For me, it had been a beautiful fall weekend of hiking and enjoying the colors of autumn along with its soothing temperatures. I spent time with my husband, and I was relaxed and at peace.

But come Monday morning, I was experiencing an uneasiness I couldn’t explain. Thoughts that reflected confusion, overwhelm and frustration were undeniably present. Starting my day with exercise, although rewarding, didn’t help fend off the uneasy thoughts and fear that accompanied them.

I decided to do exactly what I had encouraged in my message last week – to take the Irish approach. As I sat on the front porch with coffee and journal in hand and wrapped in a blanket, I wrote, “Confusion is on me.” I added, “Fear is on me” and “Worry is on me.”

As soon as I wrote my thoughts in this way, I immediately noticed a shift. Instead of drowning in, “I am confused (etc.)”, my mind and my heart opened and was ready to receive new perspectives. My answer came in exploring Bible passages that speak to the thoughts and emotions I was experiencing. The one that created the biggest change in how I approached my day was, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

In my choice to embrace the Irish way, I found a freedom to explore new ways of thinking. I was able to open up my heart and soul allowing me to release what was defeating me and create space for the renewal to arrive.

The next time you’re challenged with defeating thoughts and their associated emotions, choose the Irish approach. It will help you make a way for the sadness, fear, or frustration to release.

And create space for your renewal to arrive.

As it did mine.