The first few days, I noticed the urge to check Facebook arising frequently – in fact, I’d been much more conditioned in my mind to look at Facebook than I’d realized. Interesting!

As I broke myself of the habit, I replaced Facebook-checking with self-connection. Instead, I tuned in to myself, my body, my emotions, and my inner wisdom.

Let’s be clear – Facebook is not the culprit here. My ability to distract myself away from my inner world is my own issue, and I can use anything to do so. It just so happens that Facebook was a convenient way to ignore myself.

The biggest key to healing from Mind Body Syndrome/TMS is being present with one’s emotions. Having learned that so deeply when I was facing severe physical pain every day, I’m well aware that I can slip off into emotional avoidance with ease. I know that when I start avoiding myself, it’s time to start paying attention to my emotions and inner world.

Being present with one’s self isn’t just an effective way to heal the body. It’s also about healing the soul-connection. The more present you are, the more aware you are of your soul-wisdom, the more you trust its guidance, and the more grounded you are in following your own path through life. You’re less swayed by others’ disapproval, opinions, judgments, and manipulations and are steadier within yourself.

I caught myself avoiding emotions of loneliness, sadness, grief, and various other discomforts when I went on my Facebook Fast. So, I spent these last few months feeling all those things, and as a result, feeling far more connected to me, my family, and my soul.

Instead of checking Facebook when motherhood feels uncomfortable, now I just feel the discomfort of motherhood. Immediately following that I am able to connect to the wisdom within myself to make solid mothering decisions.

If you want to feel good physically, you must be willing to feel emotions. They aren’t always comfy. They are, however, essential. Emotions are here to show you the way back home to your soul.

I found my months without Facebook very centering and grounding. Now, I use the app infrequently, and I no longer use it to avoid myself. I have a healthy relationship with Facebook, myself, and my family.

What do you use to avoid yourself? Discovering your favorite avoidance trick can show you the path to healing. Put down the distractions more frequently and you’ll find yourself healing more quickly. Maybe you could use a Distraction Fast, too.

I feel much better now than I did a few months ago, even though I faced emotional discomfort along the way. It actually feels better to feel than to avoid feeling, in the end. And, the bonus is that I feel more present with my daughter and my husband. It’s pretty easy to use technology to distract or disconnect from presence, and yet presence is the very thing we crave in all our relationships. I’m always my best version of a parent when I’m present.

Give yourself and others a gift today. Put down the distraction and connect to the true emotions running under the surface.

Feel. Allow yourself to be present. True joy is waiting on the other side.