Focusing Tip #769 – Emotions and the Body – “I get headaches when I bring attention to the felt sense”

Do you ever get symptoms when you start to do Focusing? Read on…

Pádraig writes:

Since I began Focusing, I am becoming more aware of my gut and heart region. I am noticing this is having the positive effect of enabling me to feel more grounded and composed. Being someone with social anxiety, this is a first for me in many situations.

I am however experiencing headaches when I do this, and often immediately when I bring my attention to the felt sense. Have you any recommendations on how to deal with this?

Dear Pádraig:

It’s great news that Focusing is helping you feel your gut and heart region more, and that is helping you feel more grounded and composed. Wonderful!

Good for you for noticing that your headaches coincide with bringing awareness to your felt sense. Awareness is your friend. You can describe the sensation and stay with it. The head is part of the body, too!

Just being aware, and staying with the sensations, will give you more information that I can.

But I do have a guess.

It’s possible that your new ability to be grounded and composed is scaring a part of you that feels it is safer to be anxious. That can happen!

Try saying, “Something in me is sending a headache when I go to feel my feelings.”

And then pause and sense. See if you can feel that “something” that might be nervous about you being more in touch with yourself.

If you can sense it is there somewhere, you can start relating to it with kindness. “Might you be worried about the changes in my life? I’m listening. Tell me more.”

Worried and scared parts of us don’t have to stop us. In fact, they can help us by strengthening our ability to be calm and strong and gentle in response to them.

“Yes, I know you are there… I get that you are worried… and I am here with you.” Such a beautiful way to be with ourselves!