Emotional Freedom

In my studies of Tantra I have read countless articles, visited tons of websites and viewed hours of videos, but I have found the greatest treasures just by talking with other practitioners.

It was during a chat with a fellow tantrika that I received another piece of the puzzle toward my expansion. I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t really remember what we were talking about when she said “I am more than my emotions”. This phrase really resonated with me and provoked a lot of introspection. It sounds simple and obvious, but for me this was a revelation.

Society has programmed us to repress some of our emotions or that we must act a certain way given the emotions we feel. We are taught that some emotions are good and some emotions are bad. For instance, married people are taught to feel guilty if they have feelings for anyone besides their spouse and to bury these feelings. We are taught that feeling jealousy is bad and to ban lustful thoughts.

None of these emotions, however, are inherently bad. It is what we do as human beings that define us, not just the emotions we feel. I am defined by more than just my emotions…there is the choices that I make, my sense of morality, my intellect and my spirit. Feeling love, lust, anger or jealousy doesn’t make me a bad person. It is what I do that counts. I am therefore free to fully experience all my emotions because they are only a part of who I am.

This emotional freedom has allowed me to more fully connect with others as I am unafraid of what feelings might emerge. I no longer feel the need to repress feelings as it is not a jealous moment that defines me. Experiencing my emotions without guilt or fear allows me to better experience each moment of my life.