Numb

Numb. A word I hear quite often. According to the dictionary, numb means "incapable of action or of feeling emotion."  We often engage in many varieties of behaviors in order to numb ourselves. 

This is interesting though.... We could be more susceptible to damage when we are numb because we aren't giving ourselves permission to feel. Think about it... Say you hold an ice cube until your hand is numb, you likely won't feel anything if someone touches it or hurts it. Same thing with out emotions and feelings. When we are numb, we are disengaged and detached. From ourselves and from relationships. What are we avoiding by numbing ourselves? How are we numbing ourselves?

What would it look like if you gave yourself permission to actually check in with yourself and see how you were feeling or what experiences are happening all around you! Numbing is just another way to avoid. Life will still catch up with you, I promise. But would you rather be more prepared? More engaged? Ready to respond to life's curve balls and waves? 

I also feel it's important to remember that the opposite of depression is engagement. So if we are wanting more connection and engagement in life, we have to stop numbing ourselves! Another way to stop numbing is to practice mindfulness. Am I watching TV for entertainment or I am avoiding something that needs to be addressed? Are you restricting your food so that you literally are unable to physically feel your emotions? 

How can you give yourself permission to feel and to stop numbing out?