In Touch with Our Feelings
As our insensitivity to our own feelings grows, our lives often begin leaking all kinds of negative emotions. Without even realizing it, we go about feeling frustrated, unappreciated, resentful, exploited, lonely, put upon, needy, angry, and acting in ways that let these negative emotions overflow toward others. If we were in touch with our feelings, these emotions could be moments of truth for us, warning us that we are heading for trouble. They could be the raw material for soul-searching and meditative exploration of what is going on in our lives. When we are out of touch with our hearts, however, we fail even to notice our feelings, much less to receive and act on their important messages.
—Francis Dorff
The Journey from Misery to Ministry
Dorff makes a marvelous point in today’s reading: “If we were in touch with our feelings, these emotions could be moments of truth for us, warning us that we are heading for trouble.” Our feelings call us to look more closely at their origin and to consider what motivates our reactions to them. Our feelings call for a deep dive into our hearts and minds, a thoughtful look into the mirror, and an intentional survey of the situation. Our feelings are, as Dorff says, “the raw material for soul-searching and meditative exploration of what is going on in our lives.” Are you in touch with your feelings? —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics