Your Body: A Parking Station for Emotions
Have you ever felt physically or emotionally weighed down without knowing why? Or found yourself unable to move past certain feelings no matter how much time has passed?
I sometimes think of the body as a parking station—a space where emotions are stored, sometimes for much longer than we realise.
Some emotions are like small, manageable cars, parked neatly and out of the way. Others are like big trucks trying to enter the parking station—they simply cannot fit and need to be attended to immediately. Then there are the emotions that sit quietly in the parking station for years, undisturbed. They might have arrived during moments of stress, sadness, anger, or even joy that felt too overwhelming at the time.
Over time, the parking station can fill up, leaving little room for new experiences. And if those parked emotions aren’t addressed, they can drain our energy, impact our physical health, and make us feel stuck.
Why Do We Park Emotions in the Body?
There are many reasons why we “park” emotions:
- They were too hard to deal with at the time. Big emotions, like grief or heartbreak, can feel impossible to process in the moment, so we store them for later.
- We thought we had dealt with them. Sometimes we convince ourselves that we’ve moved on, only to discover those feelings are still lingering, quietly tucked away.
- We don’t realise we’re holding onto them. These are the emotions that stay hidden—until something triggers them, and they come rushing back.
Some emotions don’t even belong to us. They were “parked” in our bodies by someone else, maybe through their expectations, responsibilities, or pain that we unknowingly took on. And just like an overcrowded garage, these emotions take up valuable space that could be used for something new.
Signs Your Emotional Parking Station Is Full
When we hold onto emotions for too long, our bodies often send us signals. You might notice:
- Unexplained tension or pain in areas like your neck, shoulders, or jaw.
- Feeling emotionally stuck or unable to move forward in life.
- Persistent fatigue or low energy, even after resting.
- Difficulty letting go of past experiences or memories.
Just like a car sitting idle for too long, these emotions can drain your battery, leaving you feeling sluggish and unmotivated.
What Happens When You Open the Garage?
For some, opening the door to the parking station can feel intimidating. It’s like looking into a messy garage filled with years of clutter. But often, you’ll find that not everything is as broken as you thought.
- Some cars just need a little TLC. A flat battery or minor repairs can get them moving again.
- Other cars don’t belong to you. Maybe it’s time to return them to their rightful owners.
- And some cars were never that bad to begin with. Once the dust is cleared, you might realise they were perfectly fine all along.
It’s also worth thinking about the Lamborghinis you’ve lent out—your energy, talents, or confidence. Are they still out there, or is it time to bring them back home?
How to Make Room for New Experiences
The goal isn’t just to clear out the garage—it’s to create a space where emotions can come and go freely, without getting stuck. A well-functioning parking station allows for a healthy flow of experiences, making room for joy, growth, and connection.
Psychosomatic Therapy and Emotional Release Bodywork are powerful tools to help you do just that. They work by identifying the emotions stored in your body and gently guiding you through the process of releasing them. Whether it’s addressing long-held feelings, returning what doesn’t belong to you, or learning to better manage emotional flow, these methods offer a practical and supportive way forward.
Is It Time to Clear Out Your Emotional Garage?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down, it might be time to take a closer look at your parking station. What emotions are still parked there? Are you better equipped now to handle them than you were when they first arrived?
The first step is reflection. Think about those big feeling moments in your life—have they truly been resolved, or are they still quietly sitting in the corner of your garage? Talking about these feelings can help, whether it’s with a trusted friend, family member, or professional.
If you’re ready to take action, we’re here to help. Book a Psychosomatic Face or Body Consultation, if you would like to begin this transformational journey.
Work With Us
Through our services and courses, you’ll gain tools and support to release those parked emotions and create lasting change. Whether you’re looking for relief from tension, deeper self-awareness, or a way to reconnect with yourself, we’re here to guide and support you!
Are you ready?
