Knotted is a word I’ve rarely used to describe an emotion, but I have certainly felt it. This is a feeling probably more often used to describe a physical feeling as it relates to knotted or cramping muscles. Who here has never felt a physical cramp? Ouch! On the emotion side of things, who here has ever felt knots in their stomach? Oh! Is that what that is? Now, what’s it all about?

A stomach knot might be an early alert that something is off. It may be a sign of stress, fear or uncertainty. It might also show the opposing forces of excitement and fear, or hope and doubt. Those knots might also be a cue of gathering energy. Perhaps it is a signal to pause and take a beat before you push something forward with action.

Things You Can Do

Alarming Knots: Alarms are there for a reason. Give yourself a moment to understand what the warning is. Identifying that can help keep the knot at bay, and give you perspective that can help you respond instead of reacting. It keeps the emotional spiral at bay when you can put feelings into words.

Mixed-Emotion Knots: If you’re experiencing an internal tug-of-war between opposing emotions, name them. Make of list of them. When you understand the nature of the duel, it’s easier to choose your next steps with clarity. It helps keep the knot loose before you pull a string to unravel it.

The Big Pause: Sometimes rushing into a knot can make it harder to untie it. Knots can be indicators that something important is about to happen. Breathe into that knot! That breath gives you a moment to settle the wrestling energies so you can move forward. Momentum is good, right? Momentum is easier when the rope is free of snarls.

Oh rats! (I mean knots!) What we often perceive as a negative emotion might in fact be a gift. Alarms serve a purpose, and recognizing that purpose is valuable. You can easily solve tug-of-wars by letting go of the rope and determining the source of opposing tension. Breathing into a snarl might actually keep the rope from tangling up in itself. Here’s to our beautiful knots and the power we have within us to better understand them.

Image by Michaela 💗 from Pixabay