Emotional Clearing Method

The term "emotional clearing" is fairly general, and I could be talking about any number of wonderful techniques to clear your emotions. Journaling, meditating, visualization, breath work, somatic therapy, etc. But when I talk about DOING emotional clearing, I'm specifically referring to what Dana Evans is teaching- which is the Emotional Clearing Method, aka ECM.

ECM is a combination of some of the above-mentioned practices, and focuses on creating a safe space for individuals to reconnect with their inner world, fostering deep emotional healing. (Dana literally describes getting comfortable and creating a "nest" to relax into. So it's a little different from traditional meditation, which sometimes utilizes rigid postures to keep you focused on your third eye or whatever.) It's described as a therapeutic approach that integrates mindfulness, somatic awareness, and energy work to resolve unresolved emotions. I would describe the actual process as a mixture of body scan meditation and guided visualization (if you can picture that- or perhaps that all sounded like a bunch of mumbo jumbo.) Maybe this explanation will help:

Core Principles of Emotional Clearing

1.  Emotions as Energy: ECM operates on the understanding that emotions are energy patterns that flow through the body. When emotions are suppressed, this flow is disrupted, leading to blockages that can affect mental and physical health.
2.  Awareness is Key: The method emphasizes cultivating awareness of emotions without judgement. By acknowledging and sitting with feelings, individuals can dissolve resistance.
3. The Mind-Body Connection: ECM underscores the interconnection between the mind and body. Physical sensations often carry emotional messages, and tuning into these sensations is central to the clearing process.

Through guided introspection (or if you were really advanced, you could probably do it from mindfulness alone;) participants bring attention to feelings or physical discomfort tied to past events or stressors. Let me give you an example of what an emotional clearing session with Dana might entail:

It all begins with using relaxation techniques to create a space space. Start by finding a quiet spot, building your "nest,"closing your eyes, then letting Dana's voice (or whoever's) guide you along a path. (I have an 18 min recording of her doing one and a 35 min one that I regularly alternate.) It's something that I try to do daily (or at least weekly.) Sometimes I have something specific that I need to work through, but often, I'm not even fully aware of the emotions I'm holding onto, or where they reside in my body, until we begin the scan. (You want an environment that is conducive to vulnerability and openness, as physical discomfort tied to past events or stressors may come up- meaning you might cry- a lot.)

The scan usually begins at the head- noticing any sensations, tightness, or warmth. Then gradually you shift downwards, moving your attention to your forehead, eyes, jaw, neck, and shoulders- spending a few moments on each area. Scanning the upper body; moving to your arms, chest, and abdomen- and noticing any sensation without judgement. Focusing on the lower body next; continuing to your hips, thighs, knees, calves, and finally, your feet and toes. 

It's important to really take your time- so you can discover any chokeholds; where emotions might be hanging on, any buzzing, humming, or tightness. Once an emotion is identified; the individual is guided to stay present with the feeling, observe it without resistance, and allow it to shift or dissipate naturally. After clearing, the experience is reflected upon to ensure insights and newfound freedom are integrated into daily life. But it's more than just a relaxation technique, it's a way to build a compassionate relationship with yourself. As you tune in to your body, you discover deep wells of hidden emotion, and you concentrate on self-compassion and building the skills to release the emotions safely, in the privacy of your own home. 

Benefits of Emotional Clearing

1. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: ECM helps individuals better understand and manage their emotions; reducing reactivity, and improving emotional balance.
2. Improved Physical Health: By addressing the emotional roots of stress; ECM can alleviate physical symptoms such as tension, headaches, and chronic pain.
3. Increased Self-Awareness: The practice encourages a deeper connection with oneself, fostering personal growth and authenticity.
4. Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Many people report a significant decrease in anxiety and stress levels after incorporating ECM into their lives.

I personally think it might be difficult to get started on this journey alone, so I highly recommend finding an ECM coach like Dana, to guide you through the meditations, (although maybe it's possible to find them on Spotify or something?) I endorse anything that involves some type of mindfulness practice! ECM is my personal preference, even above just good ol' fashioned run-of-the-mill meditation. I try to maintain a daily practice of meditating and journaling. But I will often substitute ECM and use that for my daily meditation practice, as I find it the most useful/productive, and I hope, (after this,) that you will too!