Emotion Processing: How Memories Affect Healing and Energy
by Dr. Kari Barron
Memories That Shape Us
Christmastime always brings back meaningful memories. Every year, I’m reminded of a special moment when my son, Adam, was five years old and eagerly awaiting Santa’s visit.
In our small town, Santa arrived on a decorated firetruck with carolers singing and neighbors gathering for hot cocoa. One year, as the sirens blared, Adam came running inside in a panic shouting, “Cans! Cans! I NEED cans!” — desperate to donate to the food drive before Santa arrived.
That pure joy of giving still makes me smile. But not every memory brings a smile, does it? Some bring tears, tension, or grief. Especially around the holidays, many people quietly carry painful memories and wonder why they can’t seem to “move on.”
If that’s you — take heart. Your hurts are not beyond God’s healing.
The Science (and Spirit) of Emotional Memory
Did you know memories and emotions are stored not only in your mind but also in your cells? When cells replicate, they can carry emotional imprints — both positive and negative.
That means old grief, anger, or trauma can literally drain your body’s energy and slow its ability to heal. Healing is all about energy flow. When emotional energy is blocked, your physical healing often stalls too.
As part of my natural health practice, I help clients identify those “stuck” emotions and energetically clear them — not erasing the memory, but filing away the emotional charge that keeps the body in a stress response.
A Faith-Guided Process for Releasing Emotional Blocks
Here’s a simple framework I teach my clients — one you can begin practicing at home:
- Zone in on the memory or feeling.
What event or thought triggers this emotion? What sensations or beliefs come up? - Acknowledge what you feel.
Don’t suppress or deny it — awareness brings light to dark places. - Take responsibility for your part.
Healing begins with honesty. Own your reaction without shame. - Forgive.
Forgive yourself and others. Jesus said, “If you forgive others... your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Unforgiveness is a poison — and forgiveness is the antidote. Go to the person that wronged you and reconcile, if possible. Ask for forgiveness for your part (even if it's just you holding onto a grudge against them) and don't expect anything from them. It's about you releasing the right to hold something against them. That's where the healing happens. - Transform the energy.
Emotions don’t disappear, but they can change.
For example, transform anger into peace or fear into faith. Ask, “How can I show love in place of this pain?” - Give thanks.
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
Gratitude realigns your energy with God’s truth and peace. Even if that means thanking the Lord that you are no longer in the situation that first started the pain. - Live free.
Once you’ve processed and released it, don’t pick it back up again. File it away as a chapter you’ve already completed.
Writing It Out
Physically writing this process helps reinforce healing through all learning channels — visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. When you’re done, destroy the paper. Keeping it holds the past captive; releasing it symbolizes your freedom.
A great resource I recommend is Feelings Buried Alive Never Die by Karol Truman. She shares this truth:
“When we blame others, we relinquish our will, our freedom of choice, and our personal power. Healing begins when we take responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings, and actions.”
Faith + Freedom = Healing
Emotional healing begins when we release the past and invite God into our memories. Ask Him to show you what’s holding you back from peace and vitality — He’s faithful to reveal it.
Blame keeps us bound. Forgiveness sets us free. Every time you choose to forgive — yourself or someone else — you reclaim the energy that pain once held. That’s where true healing begins.
Ready to Heal at the Root?
Your body and emotions are deeply connected. If you’ve been feeling stuck — physically or emotionally — your next step may be uncovering what’s happening beneath the surface.
Learn about the Root Cause Landscape Blood Panel
This test reveals hidden inflammation, toxin load, and nutrient imbalances — often linked to emotional and hormonal stress. No purchase is required to explore the information and see if it’s right for you.
Your healing journey begins with awareness — and faith-led action.
A Thought to Reflect On
In Feelings Buried Alive Never Die, Karol Truman shares a truth that transforms healing:
“When we blame others, we relinquish our will, our freedom of choice, and our personal power. Healing begins when we take responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings, and actions.”
We all carry memories that need healing — but through forgiveness, gratitude, and God’s grace, you can step out of the past and into the life He designed for you.
I choose victory over victimhood — how about you?
Click to Download The Emotion Processing Worksheet
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.
