Before doing anything with our emotions, we need to be aware of its existence. Some emotions - such as anger or fear - are more obvious, especially if we experience these emotions on a strong level. Other emotions are harder to grasp, and we may not be aware of them. For example, shame and guilt are sometimes so similar that it is difficult to discern accurately. Our ability to recognize emotions also depends on the way we are taught. If we were taught to believe that emotions are bad and have to cover them all the time, we may have buried them so deeply that it is difficult to access them. But access is what we have to do. In this case, the problem is not that we do not know will not hurt us. Suppressed emotions have and will continue to hurt us unless we are aware of and address them.

Anthony Robins, in Awaken the Giant Within, talks about how emotions are beneficial to us:

The only way to effectively use your emotions is to understand that all of them are useful to you. You must learn from your emotions and use them to create a higher quality of life. The emotions you used to think were ugly are simply messages of call to action. Once you get used to each signal and its message, your emotions will no longer be enemies but will become your allies. Emotions will become friends, guides, instructors for you; Emotions lead you through the ups and downs of life.

There are several techniques we can use to help us relate to our emotions. I will give some techniques at the end of this chapter. However, sometimes if our emotions are suppressed to some extent or the result of a traumatic experience, we may need professional help to deal with them. . In this case, we may need the help of a therapist or a support group. For example, two international groups, Mankind Project and Women Within, have been very effective in helping their members overcome their emotions. Psychologists who know these two organizations often recommend to their clients and trust their operations and the ability to create a safe environment for reaching, exploring and relieving their contact.