“Every thought and emotion we experience causes a chemical response in our bloodstream, our organs, and our immune system. Repressed negative emotions trigger dissonant vibrations in the body, which can ultimately lead to dis-ease.” From Sacred Pampering Principles by Debrena Jackson Gandy
Mounting evidence indicates that holding on to grudges, resentments, or thoughts of revenge often leads to health problems. There is a school of thought that suggests that anger, frustration, rage, anxiety and resentment in women have caused significant increases in certain types of “female diseases.” It is believed that over time, constant and unexpressed negative thoughts, ideas, and emotions weaken our bodies and make them vulnerable to diseases such as cancer, and more particularly diseases of the breast, uterus, ovaries, vagina and cervix.
In her book Sacred Pampering Principles, Debrena Jackson Gandy writes that disease in our female organs is related to unresolved issues from relationships, anger and bitterness towards men in our lives, unhealed emotional pain from molestation, rape, and sexual abuse; or lack of physical touching, bonding and intimacy. The remedy would seem to be that we must begin to explore the underlying reasons for our anger and other negative feelings so that we can begin our own journeys of self-healing.
A few months ago a very dear friend of mine told me I was bitter. It hurt me to my heart and shook me to my core. I was literally speechless, and all I could say was “Wow!” Was I angry with him? No. Did I respond to his words with anger and indignation? No. I consider myself to be a very friendly and agreeable person. But, I had to deal with the truth of the matter, which is that I am not always “Miss Sunshine.”
My friend’s words reminded me that my personal pain was influencing my behaviors, words and actions, and therefore how others perceive me. I had to deal with the truth that because of experiences from my past, I have some unresolved anger. Those experiences, and my repressed emotions, have caused me to be less than my feminine best – perhaps better described as “The Strong Black Woman Syndrome.” I am not proud to say that I sometimes have a very sharp tongue and I am quick to hurl harsh words at people who do not “behave” as I expect or want them to.
I am a witness that negative emotions can affect us in our physical bodies and can influence our behaviors. But, my life is also a testimony to the fact that healing is possible. I am not perfect and I still have a lot of work to do, but I have made great strides along my journey to optimal mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. You can too!
