From a Deep Freeze to Thaw

Posted by LeeAnn on July 13th, 2010 at 02:51pm

Having finished reading Geneen Roth’s book – Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything(her web site http://www.geneenroth.com/ ), I have come to realize that of the three defensive reactions I could have towards  stress – flee – fight or freeze, my favorite unconscious pattern is to freeze.  In fact as I contemplate this whole idea, I realize that I have used the freeze pattern for as long as I can remember.  AND I have decided it is time to thaw.

So what exactly does that mean?  What does it mean to respond to stress by freezing?  It means that I freeze my emotions.  I eat to go numb.  By freezing or going numb I don’t have to deal with those messy emotions that have caused me so much trouble.

I realized just recently that it is not my emotions that cause so much trouble, it is the reactions that other people have to my emotions that I am trying to prevent.  If I can control myself, then I can control the situation. What a nutzy idea!!!  Where did I ever get the idea I can control my emotions?  Yes, I do know from my family and others around me who didn’t know how to deal with their emotions either.

It doesn’t matter where the idea came from; it does matter that I am committed to thawing.  I am committed to letting my feelings flow in their natural state.  I have a hunch that they have some valuable information to share with me.

So what about you?  Do you freeze, flee or fight? Do you use food to numb your emotions?  Are you ready to try something new?

If you are willing, share with me your favorite way that you deal with stress?

Until next time,

The Divine Cowgirl

Under Relationship+ With others+ With our bodies+ With ourselves