Recently, a heartbreaking story about a mother who took the lives of her innocent children before ending her own sent shockwaves through our communities. It is devastating to think that a mother—the very person meant to provide love, care, and protection—could be driven to such an act.
Perhaps she was overwhelmed by stress, burdened by unhealed childhood trauma, or battling silent struggles we may never fully understand. Whatever the case, such news is deeply painful.
Incidents of people harming their loved ones are becoming all too common. Another recent case involved a journalist who, after serving time for a domestic altercation that led to his wife’s death, resurfaced in the media. Far too many people regret actions they cannot undo.
Learning to Regulate Your Emotions
Life is full of challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why learning how to calm yourself when triggered is crucial.
Animals instinctively shake their bodies to release tension after stressful encounters. We, too, can benefit from intentional movement to process and release built-up negative energy. Moving your body—even for just two or three minutes at a time—helps dissipate stress before it accumulates into something more dangerous.
Think of it as essential as eating or hygiene. You wouldn’t go 5 or 10 days without food or a shower—why neglect your emotional well-being?
The Power of Traditional Dance in Healing
Throughout history, cultures across the world have used dance as a form of emotional release, spiritual connection, and communal healing. Traditional dances, especially those deeply rooted in African culture, provide a powerful way to shake off negative energy and stored-up trauma.
- Dancing around the campfire has long been a way for communities to bond, celebrate, and release stress through rhythm and movement. The energy of the fire, the drumming, and the synchronized steps help release emotional burdens and restore balance.
- The Maasai jumping dance is another example of movement as healing. The rhythmic, high-energy jumps are not only a display of strength and endurance but also serve as a means to shake off tension, reconnect with the body, and uplift the spirit.
- Other indigenous dances, whether performed during rites of passage, celebrations, or healing ceremonies, offer deep emotional release and a sense of grounding.
The Importance of Intentional Movement
Everyday activities like walking, jogging, or climbing stairs are great for fitness, but they aren’t enough to release stored emotional tension. To truly clear out negative energy, incorporate intentional movement into your daily routine:
- Stretching and shaking your body
- Dancing freely to release pent-up emotions
- Vibrating or patting different parts of your body
- Practicing deep breathing alongside movement
These practices don’t require hours—just a few minutes throughout the day can make a significant difference.
Daily Emotional Release is Essential
Negative emotions arise every day—at work, in traffic, in parenting, in relationships, in financial struggles, even walking down a crowded street. If left unprocessed, they accumulate, increasing the risk of emotional outbursts, physical symptoms, and even long-term health issues like headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Some people, when triggered, have suffered strokes or heart attacks. Don’t let that be you.
Tools to Help You Heal
If you have unresolved trauma, everyday stressors can awaken old wounds, intensifying emotional distress. To build resilience, explore powerful mind-body practices such as:
- Qigong (energy movement exercises)
- EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique)
- Yoga (mind-body balance)
- Dance therapy (expressive movement)
If you haven’t yet, read The Body Keeps the Score—a groundbreaking book on trauma and healing. It sheds light on how unprocessed trauma manifests in the body and how movement can help release it.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Unreleased emotions don’t just affect your mood—they can impact your health and even shorten your life. By moving your body intentionally and breathing deeply, you prevent negative energy from stagnating, reducing your risk of both emotional and physical breakdowns.
Make movement a daily habit. Your mind, body, and loved ones will thank you.
