Why naming helps

When we don’t name our experience, it can feel like a vague cloud of “something is wrong.”
The nervous system stays tense and confused. Gently naming what is here can help your system feel more oriented:
“Ah, this is anxiety.”
“This is heaviness.”
“This is numbness.”

Naming is not judging. You’re not saying “this is bad” or “this should not be here.”
You’re simply acknowledging reality in a soft, honest way.

Today’s healing pattern

Today you practice a simple pattern:

“There is ______ here.”

You might say:

• “There is anxiety here.”
• “There is sadness here.”
• “There is tightness in my chest.”
• “There is numbness here.”

Day 2 practice (5–10 minutes)

1. Pause and feel your body.
   Notice where your attention naturally goes: head, chest, stomach, throat, or elsewhere.
2. Sense your emotion or state.
   Ask quietly: “What am I feeling right now?”
   You don’t need a perfect answer. Choose the closest word.
3. Name it gently.
   Say: “There is ______ here.”
   Keep your tone kind, almost as if you’re reporting the weather.
4. Add yesterday’s phrase if you wish.
   You might combine:“There is anxiety here… and I’m here with you.”
5. Stay with this for a few minutes.
   Notice if anything shifts: breath, posture, or a sense of space.

Gentle reflection

You might journal a few lines:

• What did I notice when I named my experience?
• Did naming make things clearer, heavier, or lighter?
• How did my body respond to the phrase, “There is ______ here”?

Related support

• Read more about how naming supports the nervous system.
• Explore Self-Talk Practices for anxiety and grief.
• Listen to the short softening anxiety audio.

When you feel ready, continue to Day 3: Offering a gentle response.

Love is Everything — G. Ross Clark