Identity Shifts: Processing Emotional Purges
This post is for education and entertainment only.
Emotional purges are a natural result of changing your identity or beliefs. Your entire system, mind and body, runs on a program. When you alter the code, the old processes have to adapt and purge old ideas.
For example, if you’ve been afraid of flying all your life, your nervous system is used to being triggered if you think about it. If you overcome your fear, you may experience an emotional purge, a release of old stress.
1: The Purge Process
When you use affirmations, visualization, or other tools to shift your identity, it freaks out your ego. Poor ego thinks it’s saving you by dragging you back to safety and the known. But if you persist, the dissonance begins.
Dissonance is when you hold two opposing states at the same time, and it can be deeply uncomfortable. You may get a flood of old thoughts, start spiraling with worry, or feel an urge to give up on everything.
The Final Release
These emotional storms can rise suddenly, making you irritable or anxious. Your body may ache or feel inexplicably uncomfortable in limbo. Once you’ve integrated the new identity, deep crying often starts.
These huge tears clear stress hormones and relax your nervous system. It can also take the form of yawning, laughing, shaking, or sleeping a lot. any release is a sign you’ve integrated the new and it’s time to rest.
2: Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the skill of witnessing yourself and your life with curiosity and compassion. Everything is meant to serve your evolution. Accept your feelings, thoughts, and reactions as allies or messengers.
Yoga, meditation, and exercise can help you notice when your body needs to release feelings or tension. It will also tell you if something is aligned by feeling expansive and open or contracted and closed.
3: Holding the New State
Immersion and repetition are the best ways to hold a new state. Gravitate towards people, places, and experiences that reinforce the new you. Focus on maintenance mode, not trying to reach an end goal.
Establish habits and routines that keep you relaxed. Practice self-care and set boundaries that prioritize your needs and desires. Spend time with supportive people who appreciate your authenticity.
Benefits of Breathwork
Oxygen is one of your biggest allies in a state of anxiety. Four slow, deep breaths in, and four more out quickly relaxes your nervous system. When you’re triggered, it blocks the brain’s ability to think rationally.
Your body is designed to quickly run away if it thinks there’s a lion, not wait to see what color it is or consider the weather. Slow breathing tells your brain it’s safe, so it can turn your decision-making back on.
Conclusion
Even though they’re a natural part of identity growth, emotional purges can be stressful and frightening. Have compassion for yourself and establish a support system for when you’re overwhelmed or need comfort.
Keep breathing, and take care of you.