"Stop… STOP!! I can’t breathe! You are suffocating me!" My voice was muffled as I tried to get my sister and the pillow, she was pressing over my face, off of me. Kids do stupid things, and my sister and I were no different.

There are very few things that are as frightening as not being able to breathe. Severe anxiety or a panic disorder can contribute to shortness of breath and feelings of suffocation.  

But, here’s the thing… emotional suffocation can be a factor as well.

Emotional suffocation is when there is an imbalance in a relationship because one person feels overwhelmed or trapped by the other person’s constant need for attention.

If a partner is extremely insecure, they may have trouble giving you enough space to be yourself. When this happens, you can experience feelings of suffocation, being choked or oppressed.

Emotional suffocation can occur because of a lack of boundaries. You may feel like you can’t say no, and are confined by the other person’s unceasing demands. This creates an imbalance in giving and receiving—where you are always giving and never receiving anything in return.

You may feel resentment, frustration and/or anger towards your partner. You even find yourself withdrawing from the relationship in an attempt to claim some personal space.

If your partner is excessively jealous, overbearing or controlling, it can heighten your feelings of being trapped or suffocated.

Here are four tips to help you manage: 

1. Communicate—your partner may not realize he/she is causing you to feel suffocated. Communication is a two-way street. Explain what you are feeling and what you need in your relationship, then listen to what your partner needs. Be compassionate and honest. It will help you establish boundaries, foster respect and promote a healthy balance and connection between you.

2. Set the example—Help your partner to gain confidence in doing things separately with friends and family. It’s perfectly okay to start a new hobby or do activities with other people that you individually enjoy being with. Spending time apart makes time sweeter when you are together, and it's beneficial for mental and relationship health.

3. Declare your private time—Let your partner know that you need time for yourself. Set aside a specific time and space that you can do whatever you choose during each day, and encourage your partner to do the same. Alone time is important for growth.

4. Doses of Enlightenment—do regular sessions individually or together. This helps you better understand your needs so you can express yourself in a more powerful and loving way. Doing a joint session gives you both clarity in your relationship and helps make it stronger when the two of you are willing to work on it.

I hope you find this information beneficial. If you are ready to breathe easy, say the dose of enlightenment below.

With love,

Jeri

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Since we promised to treat you to an extra dose of light in your inbox, we include a Dose of Enlightenment for you at the end of each newsletter. We value your agency, so it’s up to you whether or not you receive it!

This Dose of Enlightenment is a frequency equation meant to clear a hidden and trapped emotion that you’ve been holding onto. 

If today's emotion is one that we have already cleared, know that we are addressing a different layer or situation this time.

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Today’s emotion is: feelings of suffocation

How does this emotion apply to you? For best results, ponder this question and identify how feelings of suffocation applies to you.

Dose of Enlightenment: 89 + 911 = E

Say it out loud with intent: "eighty-nine plus nine-eleven equals enlightenment.”

Breathe. Let it go. Feel the shift. Allow your body to be filled with light.

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The Doses of Enlightenment come from the M: Collaborations with the Divine Doctor book by Jaclyn Taylor. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet and want to learn more about how this works, you can get one here: 

https://intrinsicallyawaken.com

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Feel free to send us a message at hello@enso-ia.com. We would love to hear from you!

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Every decision you make brings you closer to—or farther away from—the Light. We will meet you at the Light! 
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