Emotions are the language of our inner world, a bridge between our thoughts and physical experiences. They guide us, teach us, and—if we listen closely—can unlock a profound sense of healing and transformation. Yet, too often, we suppress, ignore, or misunderstand our emotions, leading to stress, disconnection, and even physical discomfort. What if we could change that narrative? What if unlocking our emotions meant unlocking our full potential?
Keep reading to receive support in expanding your emotional vocabulary and understanding your emotions on a deeper level. Plus, at the end of this blog, you’ll find a FREE Emotions Journal to help you track, process, and navigate your feelings with greater clarity and confidence.
The Science Behind Emotions
Research in psychology and neuroscience confirms that emotions are deeply connected to both our mental and physical well-being. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading researcher in affective science, explains that emotions are not hardwired reactions but rather constructed experiences influenced by past events, environment, and even physiological states (Barrett, 2017). This means we have more control over our emotional experiences than we might believe.
Chronic stress and unresolved emotional patterns have been linked to physiological ailments such as cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and digestive disorders (Sapolsky, 2004). Conversely, emotional awareness and regulation can improve overall well-being, fostering resilience and healthier relationships (Gross & John, 2003). By learning to recognize, process, and release our emotions, we allow ourselves to live in greater harmony with our bodies and minds.
Emotional Healing: Releasing What No Longer Serves You
The process of emotional healing is about acknowledging past experiences, understanding their impact, and allowing ourselves to move forward. According to Discover Healing, emotional imbalances often stem from trapped emotions—energetic imprints from past experiences that, if unaddressed, can contribute to emotional distress and physical discomfort. Techniques such as the Emotion Code, meditation, and mindfulness practices help release these stored emotions, allowing for renewed energy and clarity.
One key to emotional healing is self-awareness. By tuning in to how we feel and why, we begin to break free from automatic responses and unconscious emotional loops. Journaling, affirmations, and guided breathwork are simple yet powerful ways to cultivate emotional awareness and healing.
Supporting Emotions with Essential Oils
Essential oils can be profound allies in emotional wellness. Their aromatic compounds interact with the limbic system—the part of the brain that processes emotions—helping to shift emotional states and promote balance (doTERRA, 2016).
- For Stress & Anxiety: Lavender and Bergamot help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- For Sadness & Grief: Citrus oils like Wild Orange and Lemon uplift and energize the spirit.
- For Anger & Frustration: Frankincense and Roman Chamomile support grounding and emotional release.
- For Confidence & Motivation: Peppermint and Rosemary invigorate the senses and promote clarity.
- For Emotional Release & Healing: doTERRA’s Console Blend is formulated to soothe the heart and encourage peace.
By integrating essential oils into our daily rituals—through diffusion, topical application, or mindful inhalation—we create a supportive environment for emotional transformation.
Expand Your Emotional Vocabulary
Unique Emotions & Phrases
- Tickety-boo (British, possibly from Hindi ṭhīk hai, bābū) – Everything is going smoothly and well.
- Hiraeth (Welsh) – A deep longing for something, especially home or a place in time that can never be returned to.
- Saudade (Portuguese) – A melancholic longing for someone or something lost, mixed with fondness.
- Schadenfreude (German) – The pleasure derived from another’s misfortune.
- L’appel du vide (French) – “The call of the void,” the sudden urge to jump from high places or do something reckless.
- Dépaysement (French) – The feeling of being out of place, especially in a foreign country.
- Iktsuarpok (Inuit) – The anticipation of someone’s arrival, causing frequent checking outside.
- Torschlusspanik (German) – The fear of opportunities slipping away as one ages.
- Meraki (Greek) – Pouring your heart and soul into something you do.
- Litost (Czech) – A state of grief, regret, or torment, especially caused by self-awareness.
General Emotions & Expressions
- Ebullient – Overflowing with enthusiasm and energy.
- Serene – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
- Discombobulated – Confused or thrown off balance.
- Blissful – Extremely happy and content.
- Giddy – Lighthearted excitement or dizziness.
- Wistful – A mix of sadness and longing for something past.
- Jubilant – Overjoyed and triumphant.
- Lugubrious – Excessively mournful or gloomy.
- Exasperated – Intensely frustrated or annoyed.
- Nonplussed – Surprised and unsure how to react.
More Expressions for Emotions
- Gobsmacked – Astonished beyond words.
- Over the moon – Extremely happy.
- On cloud nine – Experiencing deep joy.
- A bundle of nerves – Very anxious or stressed.
- Miffed – Slightly annoyed or put off.
- Beside oneself – Overwhelmed with emotion.
- Gutted (British) – Deeply disappointed.
- Chuffed (British) – Pleased or proud.
- All at sea – Feeling lost or confused.
- Like a cat on a hot tin roof – Restless or anxious.
Complex or Subtle Emotions
- Forelsket (Norwegian) – The euphoria of first falling in love.
- Mono no aware (Japanese) – A sensitivity to the fleeting nature of life.
- Sisu (Finnish) – Extraordinary perseverance in adversity.
- Komorebi (Japanese) – The feeling of sunlight filtering through trees.
- Depaysement (French) – Feeling displaced in a foreign land.
- Resfeber (Swedish) – The restless anxiety and excitement before a journey.
- Kilig (Tagalog) – The butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling of romantic excitement.
- Mudita (Sanskrit) – Taking joy in the happiness of others.
- Fernweh (German) – A longing for distant places, the opposite of homesickness.
- Voorpret (Dutch) – The joy of anticipation before an event.
Expressions of Deep Emotion
- Sonder – The realization that everyone has a complex inner life like yours.
- Melancholy – A reflective sadness, often without an obvious cause.
- Cathartic – Feeling relieved after releasing emotions.
- Ethereal – Feeling light and otherworldly, often connected to beauty.
- Poignant – Deeply emotional, touching, and bittersweet.
- Stoic – Enduring hardship without showing emotion.
- Rapture – Intense pleasure or joy.
- Awe-struck – Filled with wonder and amazement.
- Nostalgic – A warm yet bittersweet longing for the past.
- Devastated – Completely shattered emotionally.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
Unlocking our emotions is not about controlling or suppressing them but about honoring them as part of our human experience. When we cultivate emotional intelligence, embrace healing, and utilize natural tools like essential oils, we empower ourselves to live with greater joy, resilience, and connection.
Are you ready to unlock your emotions and step into greater emotional freedom? It starts with a single moment of awareness—and a willingness to feel, release, and heal.
Beyond Possibilities 