by Stephanie Bucklin
Feeling the Feelings: A Path to Presence, Not Avoidance
In today’s fast-paced, emotionally charged world, we’re often told to “think positive” or “look on the bright side.” But true healing and spiritual growth require more than spiritual bypassing or surface-level reframes. Real growth begins with staying present to what is—to the emotions rising in the body, to the tension held in our muscles, to the subtle discomfort or heaviness that signals something deeper needs our loving attention.
“Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them.” — Eckhart Tolle
Self-awareness is not about suppressing or ignoring difficult emotions. It’s about listening to what they are trying to tell us. Our emotions are intelligent messengers. They reflect how our body and mind are interpreting a moment in time. When we feel anxious or overwhelmed, it’s not a sign that we’ve failed in our spiritual journey—it’s an invitation to come home to ourselves.
Stress Hijacks the Present
When the body is in a stress response, the rational, present-moment part of the mind takes a back seat. The nervous system gets hijacked into “fight, flight, or freeze,” and the inner wisdom we rely on becomes hard to access. We can’t think clearly when we’re under siege from our own nervous system.
The good news? We can learn to interrupt the cycle. By gently and repeatedly bringing ourselves back into presence—through breath, movement, mindfulness, or prayer—we teach the body and mind that we are safe. We retrain the nervous system to respond with calm and awareness instead of fear and reactivity.
“Only the present moment is available to us, and it is the door to all moments.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Perception Is Everything: Shifting Through Self-Love
When we start to view ourselves through the lens of Christ Consciousness—as whole, divine, and deeply loved—everything changes. We stop labeling emotions as “good” or “bad.” We begin to see them as sacred feedback from our inner world. This is where perception becomes transformational.
In A Course in Miracles, we are reminded:
“I am never upset for the reason I think.” (Lesson 5)
This profound truth invites us to look beyond the surface. Our reactions are not always about the external event, but rather our interpretation of it. When we meet those interpretations with compassion and curiosity, we reclaim our power.
Doing the Inner Work (Again and Again)
Healing isn’t a one-time event. It’s a moment-by-moment practice of presence, of feeling, of re-centering. Each time we shift from reaction to awareness, we are strengthening a new neural pathway—one that leads to peace instead of panic.
And yes, it takes repetition. You may have to bring yourself back into your body dozens of times a day. But each time you do, you anchor more deeply into self-love.
“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” — Brené Brown
Self-awareness is the ultimate act of belonging to yourself.
The Invitation: Be With What Is
So today, rather than resisting your emotional experience, can you lean into it? Can you observe without judgment and respond with love? Can you sit with the sacred discomfort long enough to hear what it’s trying to teach you?
This is the real work. And it is holy.
~S
Are You Ready to Live with More Presence, Purpose & Power?
The Soul Journey Membership is a sacred space for those ready to go deeper—into the heart, into healing, and into alignment with their highest self. If you’re feeling the call to live more consciously, make choices from your soul (not your stress), and return to the wisdom within, this community was created for you.
Each month, you’ll receive support, tools, and spiritual insight to help you:
🌿 Release old patterns
🌿 Understand your emotional landscape
🌿 Stay grounded in your body and spirit
🌿 Make empowered choices that reflect your truth
You don’t have to navigate your journey alone. Step into a space where healing is honored, presence is practiced, and your soul is remembered.
👉 Join the Soul Journey Membership today and begin living more consciously—one aligned choice at a time.
You are worthy of peace. You are ready for transformation.
