Create Space, Get Outside, Move BIG!

We’ve likely all heard the phrase ‘feelings are meant to be felt’ or its shorten version ‘feel the feelings.’ Though it seems basic and pretty straightforward, its truth is super powerful. Yet super challenging at the same time.

I’m beyond grateful that our gracious God has provided me some safe space to feel the feelings in this season, but I need to be honest in that I’m truly FEELING ALL the feelings! When we ignore feelings for a long time rather than ride their natural waves, we end up with a tsunami of emotions that is tough to contain. At least that’s how it’s been for me – just ask my husband. Ha! And feeling all the feelings (as well as not allowing yourself to feel the feelings) is exhausting!!!

Speaking of, go ahead and preorder Jess Connelly’s newest book, Tired of Being Tired. It’ll be available in about a month, and I got an early edition. I’ll share more about her book later on, but it’s a game changer, ladies! So many of us are tired of being tired – spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Our feelings can show up in our bodies and can also be processed through our bodies. Grounding can help fear and anxiety. Cuddles provide safety as you process hurt. And I’ve recently learned getting big in our bodies helps process anger.

I don’t have a very healthy relationship with anger as I’ve always viewed it as a ‘bad emotion’ and have been hurt deeply by others’ anger and shame tied to it. Not to mention the silly checklist for ‘being a good Godly woman’ doesn’t include the freedom to get pissed. But anger is also super uncomfortable for me as I don’t know how to handle it in a healthy way. So I do the least healthy thing and stuff it down. Eeeek!

The irony is one of my favorite stories of Jesus is when He gets frustrated entering the temple courts and tosses tables in frustration and righteous anger. I’m predicting this scene will be included in season five of The Chosen, and I can’t wait. If you haven’t yet watch The Chosen, PLEASE do so ASAP. You can thank me later as it’ll deepen your relationship with Jesus for the better!

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus went directly into the temple area and drove away all the merchants who were buying and selling their goods. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the stands of those selling doves.  And he said to them, “My dwelling place will be known as a house of prayer, but you have made it into a hangout for thieves!” 

Matthew 21:12-13 TPT

I find it freeing to know Jesus had all the emotions too. Yet He handled them way better of course. This Bible story also fires me up as now that our bodies are His temple and dwelling place, the evil thief of this world tries to sell us lies and set up idols to clutter our souls. But that’s for another post . . .

My counselor shared this week how moving big in our bodies – spreading our arms and legs and moving in big gestures (like overturning tables) – is super valuable for processing anger. We must create space – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to get big and bold with ourselves. And truly process and heal.

His love broke open the way,

and he brought me into a beautiful, broad place. 

He rescued me—because his delight is in me! 

Psalm 18:19 TPT

Keep standing on truth as you create space and move. How beautiful that His love breaks open the way and provides the space. He is our Rescuer and delights in us! While feelings are important, we must stand firm on the Rock of our salvation.

“Stand firm with patient endurance and you will find your souls’ deliverance.” – Jesus

Luke 21:19 TPT

Getting outside is also an amazing and beautiful way to get big! Much of our activity outdoors brings endurance of many kinds. Walking is therapeutic and valuable to our heart, soul, strength, and mind. John Eldredge of Wild at Heart is a big advocate for the outdoors and meeting with Jesus. Revelation Wellness even has a Rev Wild Instructor track to take others beyond our confined spaces and places to worship, workout, and explore true wellness. Rev Well also provides awesome podcast episodes that are my constant companions on walks. Holy Barre workouts are designed to give you space to process and move your bodies in big ways of worship!

So whatever and however you’re feeling, let’s create space, get outside, and move big.

And if you’re in Central Oklahoma, mark your calendars for the morning of March 16 to do just that! (We’re planning for April 6 and May 11 as well!)