From Emotional Roots to Release
Our bodies remember what our minds sometimes try to forget. Long after an experience has passed, our muscles, breath, and nervous system can hold on to unspoken stories. This is what many people describe as “carrying stress in the body”—tight shoulders, a racing heartbeat, a heavy chest, or even gastrointestinal issues with no obvious cause. Beneath these sensations often lies something deeper: emotional roots that were never given space to release.
From a somatic and emotionally focused perspective, healing doesn’t begin by trying to “fix” what feels wrong. It begins with slowing down, noticing, and listening. Mindful awareness invites us to approach the body with curiosity instead of judgment. For example, rather than saying, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” we learn to gently ask, “What is my body telling me right now?” Or, as I often ask in session: “What’s coming up for you, and where in your body do you feel it?”
Emotions are not just mental events; they are lived experiences that ripple through the body. Fear might show up as a clenched jaw, grief as a tightness in the throat, or joy as a soft expansion in the chest. EFT helps us tune into those emotions not as problems to be solved but as signals that long for understanding, safety, and connection.
When we combine mindfulness with somatic exploration, we begin to bridge the gap between what we think and what we feel. This process not only deepens awareness but also helps us begin to change the narratives we believe about ourselves, our experiences, and those around us. Instead of being defined by old wounds or rigid patterns, we can learn to see our responses with compassion and openness, creating space for new ways of relating to ourselves and to others.
This process often starts small: taking a breath when the body tenses, placing a hand over the heart when sadness rises, or noticing the way our body shifts when we recall a difficult memory. In these moments, the body’s memory is no longer an enemy; it becomes a guide.
The journey of release isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about reclaiming choice in the present. By giving the body permission to speak and the heart permission to feel, we loosen the grip of old patterns and create room for new ones to grow. Healing happens not in a single breakthrough, but in repeated, mindful encounters with ourselves—each one planting seeds of safety, compassion, and trust.
As you reflect, you might ask yourself:
“When I notice tension, discomfort, or an emotional wave, what story is my body holding—and what happens when I listen instead of push it away?”
If you’re curious about exploring these questions more deeply, therapy can be a safe space to uncover and release the rotting roots your body has been carrying. Together, we can create room for healing, connection, and growth.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here does not constitute a therapeutic relationship and should not be relied upon as mental health treatment.
Although the author is a licensed mental health professional in the state of Georgia, the content is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health provider or other medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for free and confidential support, available 24/7.
