Embodying an emotion entails expanding it as much as possible within both the brain and body physiology, while also enduring its presence for an extended period. However, the capacity to tolerate emotions varies significantly among individuals, encompassing both the intensity of the emotion and the duration one can sustain it. This variability is crucial for addressing current symptoms and fostering long-term resilience.
Scientific research sheds light on the physiological underpinnings of emotions. These studies indicate that the entire body physiology plays a role in the experience of basic emotions. The body’s physiological response to stress serves as a more accurate indicator of its experience than conscious perception.
Detailed tracking of body sensations in a mindful, non-reactive manner has been advocated in somatic psychology. This practice leads to the downregulation of bodily responses. However, when confronted with unpleasant emotions, which inherently signify states of stress and dysregulation, such tracking may inadvertently compromise or even obliterate the emotions in their nascent stage. This phenomenon is akin to scrutinizing an impressionistic painting so closely that only individual dots are discernible, obscuring the broader image.
Alternating between tracking emotions and sensations, or attempting to track both simultaneously, may also hinder emotional processing. The limited capacity of working memory complicates such endeavors, akin to holding conflicting mental images simultaneously.
Similar challenges arise with various body-regulating tools, such as touch, breathwork, or positive imagery, if employed with the sole intent of downregulating physiology. Overwhelming emotions can induce bodily shutdowns and contribute to a spectrum of symptoms, including physical, cognitive, affective, behavioral, relational, and spiritual manifestations. Unpleasant emotions, characterized by inherent dysregulation and stress, particularly predispose individuals to psychosomatic symptoms.
Effectively working with emotions through the body requires an understanding of how emotions are generated and defended against in different layers (muscle, organ, and nervous system) of the body; how emotions are related to cognitions and behaviors; and what needs to occur in a person’s process and body for emotions to heal and become further supportive in forming relevant cognitions and behaviors.
The availability of emotion enhances an individual’s behavior. Research demonstrates that individuals with access to emotions can generate more relevant behavioral alternatives and are better at selecting the optimal course of action to address a situation.
Furthermore, research indicates that the embodiment of emotion, defined as the expansion of emotion in physiology, improves an individual’s cognition about a situation. In other words, individuals with emotions are better equipped to name an emotion and make sense of it by associating it with the appropriate context.
Fostering emotional resilience necessitates a nuanced understanding of the interplay between emotions and physiology. Rather than solely aiming to regulate bodily responses, it is essential to cultivate the capacity to tolerate and integrate emotions effectively. By acknowledging the intricate relationship between mind and body, you can embark on a journey towards holistic well-being and emotional flourishing.
