Have you ever felt a deep melancholy, that feeling of emptiness in your chest caused by the absence of someone or something you love dearly? If so, you probably know exactly how dealing with longing can be a challenge.
However, longing doesn’t have to be a negative feeling to be avoided. It is an emotional reminder of the happy moments we had. And guess what, it can also be the key to understanding our deepest selves and even overcoming moments of anguish.
Understanding how this feeling works, taking advantage of what it brings that’s good, and learning to control the emotions associated with it is a path that can be followed. A powerful tool for this journey is clinical hypnosis.
In this article, we will explore the richness of the feeling of longing, understand what science says about it, and discover how hypnosis can be an ally in transforming the pain of longing into something positive. You will also learn valuable techniques and effective strategies that contribute to better dealing with these emotions.
Understanding Longing: What It Is and Why We Feel It
Longing is a deeply human emotion, a feeling of lack that connects us with the past or a desired future. Therefore, understanding what this feeling is, and why we feel it, is the first step in identifying appropriate ways to deal with it.
From a psychological point of view, longing is a complex mix of feelings, such as joy, sadness, love, and sometimes anxiety. This happens because of the positive memories associated with a person or place, but also because of the awareness that these experiences cannot be recreated exactly as they were.
Many people believe that feeling longing is feeling pain, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Longing can, and should, be seen as a strength, something that pushes us towards the future while keeping the flame of our past alive.
Biologically, longing uses the same brain pathways as love, which gives it a powerful emotional force. While love makes us want to be with someone, longing makes us desire to be with people or in places we are far from in time or space.
Now that we understand what longing is and why we feel it, we can think about how to deal with longing healthily. Follow the next topic!
Longing and Science: Understanding the Neurobiological Process
Longing! This complex and paradoxical emotion, so familiar to all of us, has an inherent neurobiological explanation in the human brain. The sensation of longing results from a mix of mental and physiological processes, which arise from memory. Interesting, isn’t it?
When we remember something or someone, our brain constructs this image from a network of neurons. When we feel longing, this network is activated, releasing a series of chemicals. In fact, despite being a feeling with a considerable emotional load, longing has real physical effects on our body.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, usually associated with pleasure and reward, are released in the presence of that memory that causes us longing. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is produced in smaller amounts.
This combination of substances leads us to experience a mixed state of pleasure and pain, which explains the bittersweet nature of this very … Brazilian sensation. Thus, the feeling of longing, as a complex experience, goes far beyond a simple recollection: it is a dynamic interaction between the mind, brain, and body.
Understanding the neurobiological process of longing can, in fact, help us better deal with this feeling. Knowing the “how” and the “why” empowers us, opening new doors for strategies to manage longing. And it is precisely about these strategies that we will talk about next, where we will address the fascinating relationship between longing and clinical hypnosis. Let’s go!
Longing vs Nostalgia: Know the Differences
Longing and nostalgia are intimately connected feelings, but they are not the same. Both involve memories but are experienced in different ways and contexts.
The feeling of longing is linked to a specific memory, usually associated with a person or situation that caused a great emotional impact. It brings with it a feeling of emptiness, a missing piece in the puzzle of life. Longing causes discomfort that makes us wonder “how to deal with longing”, especially when it seems unbearable.
On the other hand, nostalgia, although it may have a melancholic connotation, is generally characterized by a more pleasant feeling, of a time that was good and left good memories. Unlike longing, nostalgia is not tied to a specific fact or person, but rather to a period of time. It brings a feeling of warmth, like flipping through a photo album, fondly recalling moments that will never return.
Understanding this difference is an important key to dealing with longing in a healthier and more productive way. Knowing whether we are dealing with longing or nostalgia gives us a clearer picture of what we really feel and opens the way for us to find ways to transform these feelings into sources of strength and motivation, instead of sadness and pain.
This does not mean that feeling longing is something bad. On the contrary, both longing and nostalgia have the ability to remind us of who we are, where we came from, and what is important to us. The secret is to learn to live with these feelings healthily, transforming them into allies, not adversaries.
How Clinical Hypnosis Can Help Deal with Longing
Clinical hypnosis can be a great ally in understanding how to deal with longing healthily. As we know, longing can trigger a series of physical and mental reactions that, in excess, can influence the quality of life.
So, how can clinical hypnosis help us in this process? Let me explain: hypnosis is based on the enhancement of focused attention, reducing peripheral perception, and increasing the ability to respond to suggestion. Thus, during the process, it is possible to guide the patient on a journey through the feelings that are causing longing.
Additionally, it is possible to associate hypnosis with other therapeutic strategies, enhancing results and enabling an integrated approach. For example, clinical hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy can work together to restructure automatic thoughts and behaviors, allowing the person to understand the emotional reactions that longing brings.
This ultimately helps to rethink longing in a healthier and less painful way. Don’t forget though, the key is always to seek professional help to ensure that the hypnosis technique is applied appropriately and safely.
Hypnosis Techniques to Transform Longing into a Positive Feeling
Hypnosis techniques can be extremely effective in transforming longing into something more positive. Here, I’ll share some of the most common and effective strategies we use at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis.
Balloon Technique
The “Balloon Technique” allows you to visualize longing as an inflatable balloon. This technique involves imagining longing inside this balloon and releasing it into the air, symbolizing the release of this feeling.
Reframing
Another effective technique is “reframing”. This strategy motivates the person to see longing from another perspective, building a positive and healthy narrative about the past.
Dream Analysis
Dream analysis can also be a valuable tool. Sometimes, dreams can reflect our deepest feelings of longing, and discovering the message behind them can be a powerful way to deal with these feelings.
These are just some of the hypnosis techniques that can help transform longing into something positive. Always remember that these techniques should be used by trained and certified professionals to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Using Hypnosis to Let Go and Overcome Longing
Hypnosis can be a powerful ally to help let go of thoughts that cause longing, transforming it into a positive memory. This happens because hypnosis enables facilitated access to our feelings and thoughts, allowing for deep self-awareness.
Through suggestion and relaxation techniques, you can learn how to deal with longing, disassociating it from negative feelings of sadness and loneliness. Instead, hypnotherapy can help make positive and comforting associations. Thus, longing can be seen as a way to value the lived experience and enhance the present emotional state.
Clinical hypnosis is also effective in reducing the feeling of emptiness that longing can bring. Through visualization techniques, it is possible to focus on gratitude, stimulating the brain to produce sensations of contentment and well-being.
Furthermore, remembering that longing is just a part of life can ease the emotional discomfort. For many people, longing is a reminder that we made the right decisions, giving new meaning to the experience.
Finally, remember: Having the support of a qualified professional in the field of clinical hypnosis is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to deal with longing in a safe and healthy way.
The Power of Good Company: How Interactivity Helps Deal with Longing
Making positive connections with people is essential when it comes to dealing with longing. Sometimes, physical presence is not possible, but virtual interactivity allows maintaining bonds, alleviating the feeling of emptiness.
The digital environment offers several tools that facilitate long-distance communication, social networks, video call apps, and even online games. Interacting and sharing moments, even virtually, can greatly assist in the process of dealing with longing.
Additionally, participating in groups of common interest can also be a great way to stay connected. Discussing your favorite book with others or sharing cooking recipes, for example, creates a sense of community and belonging, which can combat the feeling of loneliness.
Have you thought about getting involved in volunteer work? Helping others can bring a sense of accomplishment and reduce the intensity of longing, making it more manageable.
Finally, remember: living with longing healthily also means accepting it as a natural part of our lives. Sharing memories and feelings with trusted people can turn a moment of sadness into an opportunity to strengthen bonds.
When Longing Hurts: Recognize the Signs and Seek Professional Help
For many, longing is a sweet and nostalgic emotion. However, sometimes, the feeling can become oppressive, resembling a painful void. It’s important to recognize when longing starts to hurt and affect your daily life. Here are some signs to consider:
- Feeling constantly sad or depressed
- Losing interest in daily activities
- Socially isolating oneself
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Having difficulty sleeping or eating
If you are experiencing some of these signs, it is appropriate to seek professional help. As clinical hypnosis professionals, we know that one of our main roles is to help people deal with longing healthily.
Clinical hypnosis can be a valuable path to explore your emotions, understand why you feel certain things, and learn new ways to process them. The goal is to help you live a fuller life, free from the pain of longing.
Always remember that there is no shame in asking for help. Mental health is as important as physical health, and taking care of your emotional well-being is an act of self-love. Don’t suffer in silence, seek support when needed.
Gratitude as a Tool to Deal with Longing
Sometimes, we miss something or someone, longing tightens, and it can be very difficult to deal with it. However, there is a technique that can help: gratitude.
This positive emotionality can act as a kind of antidote to longing. This is because, instead of focusing on what we no longer have, we start to value what we have or had and feel grateful for it. Such a change in perspective can help us better deal with longing.
To start practicing gratitude, begin to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It can be life, health, family, friends, work, or even that person or occasion that is bringing longing. In the latter case, instead of feeling lack, focus on how grateful you are for having had that experience.
- Train your mind to focus on the good things, and you will see a significant improvement in your emotional well-being.
- Cultivating gratitude can help us accept change, facilitate healing, generate happiness, and even improve our social relationships.
Remembering that we were happy is a healthy way to deal with the feeling of longing. Instead of focusing on absence, we should concentrate on the presence of these good moments in our memory and heart.
So, when questioning yourself “How to deal with longing?”, why not try to transform this feeling into gratitude?
Conclusion: Dealing with Longing through Clinical Hypnosis
As we have seen throughout this article, longing is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can be seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can bring emerging pains and sorrows from the lack of something or someone. On the other, it can strengthen bonds, remind us of beautiful moments lived, and drive positive changes.
Learning to deal with longing is not a simple process, but it is definitely possible. The effective strategies and valuable tips presented here, such as maintaining a positive attitude, practicing self-care, and seeking support, are valuable resources on this journey.
Alongside these tactics, clinical hypnosis emerges as a powerful approach to managing longing positively. It allows exploring and reconfiguring past experiences, as well as giving meaning to the longing felt. Hypnosis can strengthen emotional resilience and the ability to be present in the here and now, valuing the past lived without letting it compromise present and future experiences.
Therefore, both for those seeking to deal with their longing and for those who wish to help others on this journey, evidence-based clinical hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis can be an extremely valuable training.
Finally, I believe that you, like me, are someone who seeks not only to deal with your emotions but also to empower yourself to help others do the same. So, how about expanding your skills and knowledge? Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even have a new profession? Check out the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses from the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis by clicking here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clinical hypnosis effective for dealing with longing?
Yes, clinical hypnosis has proven effective in helping people deal with longing. This is because it acts directly on the subconscious mind, allowing the person to reconsider and reframe emotions and feelings of longing, transforming them into something more positive.
How can gratitude help deal with longing?
Gratitude is a powerful tool for dealing with longing. Through gratitude, we can value the experiences we had and the people who were part of our lives, without necessarily feeling suffering for their absence. It is a form of acceptance and recognition of emotions.
How does clinical hypnosis differ from other therapies in treating longing?
Clinical hypnosis addresses longing in a unique way. Instead of just dealing with the emotions of lack and emptiness, hypnosis helps transform the perception of longing, making it less painful and more positive. This is different from many other therapies that focus on ways to simply deal with the pain.
Are there specific hypnosis techniques for dealing with longing?
Yes, there are several hypnosis techniques that can be used to deal with longing. Some of them involve the reframing of memories associated with longing, transforming them into something positive. Other techniques involve creating new memories and positive feelings to replace the feeling of longing.
What are the signs that longing is becoming harmful and that one should seek help?
The signs that longing is becoming harmful include a constant feeling of sadness or despair, difficulty concentrating on daily activities, social isolation, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. When these signs are present, it is recommended to seek help from a professional.
