Your Felt Sense

I was discussing the term “felt sense” with a colleague recently. It’s kind of an unusual term that psychotherapists use to describe internal body awareness that hasn’t been consciously thought or verbalized. You might call it a “gut instinct” that you haven’t put a name on yet.

Here’s the thing: Putting a name — or at least a few words — on those body-level instincts can bring benefits, especially if you’re looking to make a change of some sort. 

Those feelings — from hunger to more complex emotions — can be a catalyst. Emotions and the motor patterns that go along with them actually help us make decisions and drive behavior. It’s how we protect ourselves. Emotions keep us safe.

Bodily maps of emotions, NIH

But we can’t all just live life as a bundle of inexpressible emotions. Taking time to think about and articulate those feelings can help you regulate — or at least recognize — why you’re having feelings. Truthfully calling out your “felt-sense” is understanding your body’s emotions and feelings in a way that’s similar to recognizing the guideposts that lead you to a desired destination. 

One way to practice the ability to manage emotions, actions, and impulses consciously, calmly, and naturally is to observe and describe what’s happening with neutral curiosity - without judgment. Ask: what do I notice about my thoughts and feelings, right now? Name those thoughts and feelings accurately. Describe or draw your “felt-sense.”