What Do You Mean, “Sit With a Feeling?”

Have you ever wondered what it really means to “sit with a feeling”? You WANT to process your emotions - but are not sure what to do.

This was so true with me. After MANY years of not wanting to feel anything negative, I couldn't feel the ‘happy’ emotions. 

Often we try to push past our emotions—distracting ourselves with busyness, ignoring what we feel, or even criticizing ourselves for having certain emotions in the first place. But what if, instead of rushing to move on, we simply allowed ourselves to be present with what we’re feeling?

This is what it means to sit with a feeling—to acknowledge it, be curious about it, and offer ourselves compassion in the process. It’s a powerful practice that leads to healing, self-awareness, and a deeper connection with God. 

Let’s walk through how you can start doing this in your daily life:

1. Acknowledge & Allow Yourself to Feel

Instead of resisting emotions, take a deep breath and say, “This is what I’m feeling right now, and that’s okay.” Give yourself permission to experience your emotions without rushing to change them.

2. Let Emotions Exist Without Judgment

We often judge ourselves for feeling sad, frustrated, or even excited—thinking we should or shouldn’t feel a certain way. Instead, remind yourself that feelings are neutral; they are simply messengers, not moral failures.

3. Be Curious About the Situation

Ask yourself: What’s really going on here? What might God be teaching me through this? Viewing your emotions with curiosity rather than criticism helps you gain clarity and wisdom.

4. Don’t Label Emotions as Good or Bad

Rather than thinking of emotions in black-and-white terms, recognize them as signals guiding you toward deeper self-awareness and growth. Every emotion has value and can draw us closer to God when we take the time to reflect.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Imagine how you would comfort a friend feeling the same way—then extend that same kindness to yourself. Speak words of grace over yourself: “I am allowed to feel this. God understands, and He meets me here.”

6. Notice Where You’re Feeling It Physically

Emotions don’t just exist in our minds; they show up in our bodies too. Take a moment to scan yourself—do you feel tightness in your chest? A lump in your throat? A knot in your stomach? Simply noticing these sensations can help you process your emotions more fully.

7. Learn to Identify What You’re Feeling

Sometimes we only have a vague sense of what we’re experiencing. An Emotions Wheel can help you put words to your feelings, giving you a clearer understanding of what’s really going on inside. (Ask me if you want my favorite one!)

8. Validate What & Why You’re Feeling

Your feelings matter. Even if you don’t fully understand them yet, acknowledge that they are there for a reason. Say to yourself: “It makes sense that I feel this way because…” This simple validation can be incredibly grounding.

Dear one, you are not alone in your emotions. God cares deeply about what you feel, and He invites you to bring it all before Him. The next time you’re tempted to dismiss or suppress your emotions, try sitting with them instead. And as you do, invite the Holy Spirit into that space—He is always ready to comfort, guide, and renew you.

Praying for you as you grow in emotional awareness and grace!

P.S. If this resonates with you and you’d like to dive deeper into emotional awareness and faith-based personal growth, I’d love to support you! Schedule a coaching session where we can walk through this together. You don’t have to navigate this alone!