Sacred & Seen

Where Stories Meet, Identities Connect, and Every Voice is Sacred.


Someone might need to hear this today: your feelings do not control you.

Emotions can feel overwhelming at times. Anger, sadness, fear, or anxiety may surge through you, making it seem like they dictate your choices, reactions, or even your identity. But the truth is: they are not here to control you—they are here to communicate with you.

Every emotion carries a message from your body, mind, or spirit. It is pointing toward something you need to notice, honor, or address.

  • Anger may be asking you to set boundaries or stand up for yourself.
  • Sadness may be signaling the need for release, reflection, or mourning a loss.
  • Fear may be guiding you to prepare, protect, or move through what’s next with awareness.
  • Anxiety may be inviting you to pause, ground yourself, or examine unmet needs.

Your feelings are like signals—they are not the enemy. They are teachers, guiding you to what your body and soul need most:

  • Forgiveness – toward yourself or someone else.
  • Release – letting go of pain, guilt, or past experiences that no longer serve you.
  • Healing – tending to emotional wounds, traumas, or limiting beliefs.

Take a moment to pause and ask yourself:
“Which one is my body asking for right now? Forgiveness, release, or healing?”

Then, gently listen. Observe the physical sensations, thoughts, or recurring patterns that surface. Journal, meditate, breathe, or simply sit with the feeling. This is how you honor your emotions—not by suppressing them, but by understanding and integrating them.

Remember: feelings are messengers, not masters. You hold the power to choose how you respond. By tuning in to what your body and emotions are trying to tell you, you create space for clarity, balance, and growth.

Today, listen to your feelings. Let them guide you. And know that you are always capable of responding with awareness, compassion, and strength.


Guided Reflection: Listening to Your Feelings 💛

Set aside 10–15 minutes to connect with your emotions and understand the messages they carry.

1. Settle In

  • Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
  • Take three deep, conscious breaths, letting your body relax and your mind focus inward.

2. Notice Your Emotions

  • Ask yourself: “What am I feeling right now?”
  • Identify the emotion without judgment. Write it down—anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, joy, or even a mix.

3. Ask the Question

  • Gently ask your body:
    “What am I trying to tell myself through this feeling? Do I need to forgive, release, or heal?”
  • Pause and observe what arises.

4. Explore the Message

  • For forgiveness: Who or what do you need to forgive, including yourself?
  • For release: What pain, guilt, or attachment no longer serves you?
  • For healing: What part of your emotional or spiritual self needs attention or care?

5. Take One Intentional Action

  • Choose one small step to honor your emotion’s message. Examples:
    • Write a forgiveness letter (even if you don’t send it).
    • Perform a release ritual, like journaling, burning a note, or meditating.
    • Practice a healing activity—rest, self-care, or speaking affirmations to yourself.

6. Close With Affirmation

  • Finish your reflection with an affirmation such as:
    • “I listen to my feelings with compassion and clarity.”
    • “My emotions guide me toward what I need to see, release, or heal.”
    • “I am in control of how I respond, and I honor my inner wisdom.”

Tip: Revisit this exercise whenever strong emotions arise. The more you tune in, the more you’ll recognize your feelings as guides instead of obstacles—and you’ll build a stronger connection with your body, mind, and spirit.


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I’m CJ Leigh

Sacred and Seen is a space where the intersections of identity are honored, and the sacredness of every story is uplifted. Through authentic conversations and reflections, we explore how experiences of race, gender, spirituality, motherhood, queerness, and culture shape who we are and how we connect. Rooted in the belief that our stories are interwoven and powerful, Sacred and Seen creates a space for deep listening, vulnerability, and collective healing—where every voice is seen, heard, and valued.

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