How to Sit with Difficult Emotions

11 min

Nov 22, 2025

Learn practical strategies to stop avoiding discomfort and start embracing difficult emotions. Discover the AOAR method, emotion surfing, and somatic techniques that transform your relationship with anxiety, grief, and anger into tools for deeper connection and meaningful living.

Best quote from How to Sit with Difficult Emotions

Emotions are like waves that rise, reach a peak, and then naturally decrease over time; the key is learning to ride the wave instead of fighting it, because our resistance to the emotion often creates more suffering than the emotion itself.

Generated by Freedee_E3CFF664

Input question

Practical advice for sitting with difficult emotions

Host voices

Lena

Eli

Knowledge sources

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Distress-Intolerance/Information-Sheets/1-Emotion-Surfing.pdf

https://www.somatopia.com/blog/lean-in-to-discomfort-somatic-practices-for-difficult-feelings

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Strategies Guide for Anxiety and Trauma-Related Problems in Living

https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/docs/act-strategies-guide.pdf

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

How to Sit with Difficult Emotions

11 min

Nov 22, 2025

Well-Being Self-Growth Psychology

Best quote from How to Sit with Difficult Emotions

Emotions are like waves that rise, reach a peak, and then naturally decrease over time; the key is learning to ride the wave instead of fighting it, because our resistance to the emotion often creates more suffering than the emotion itself.

Part of a Learning Plan

LEARNING PLAN

Move through sudden waves of sadness

4 h 24 m•4 Episodes

LEARNING PLAN

Learn to identify & express my emotions

4 h 2 m•4 Episodes

Key Takeaways

Opening and Setting the Stage

0:00

0:15

0:31

Understanding Why We Avoid Emotional Discomfort

0:50

1:08

1:29

1:47

1:55

The Hidden Costs of Emotional Avoidance

2:18

2:26

2:47

2:56

3:14

3:26

The Science of Emotion Surfing

3:47

3:53

4:13

4:20

4:38

2:56

Somatic Approaches to Difficult Feelings

5:13

5:24

5:40

5:43

6:02

6:17

Practical Techniques for Sitting with Emotions

6:36

6:44

7:04

7:13

7:36

7:45

Building Emotional Resilience Through Values

8:06

8:19

8:41

2:56

9:08

9:18

Integration and Moving Forward

9:41

9:50

10:07

1:55

10:33

10:43

11:02

11:19

More like this

Master Your Emotions Without Suppressing Them book cover

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple

24 sources

Master Your Emotions Without Suppressing Them

18 min

Mastering Emotions Without Suppressing Them book cover

How to Keep People from Pushing Your Buttons

20 sources

Mastering Emotions Without Suppressing Them

12 min

Master Your Emotions: Science-Backed Regulation Strategies book cover

Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child

19 sources

Master Your Emotions: Science-Backed Regulation Strategies

39 min

Mastering the Emotional Storm book cover

23 sources

Mastering the Emotional Storm

32 min

Taming Your Emotional Tsunamis book cover

15 sources

Taming Your Emotional Tsunamis

31 min

Taming Your Anxious Heart: Emotional Regulation Guide book cover

21 sources

Taming Your Anxious Heart: Emotional Regulation Guide

14 min

23 sources

Mastering Emotional Waves

36 min

Master Your Emotions in 90 Seconds book cover

26 sources

Master Your Emotions in 90 Seconds

32 min

Generated by Freedee_E3CFF664

Input question

Practical advice for sitting with difficult emotions

Host voices

Lena

Eli

Knowledge sources

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Distress-Intolerance/Information-Sheets/1-Emotion-Surfing.pdf

https://www.somatopia.com/blog/lean-in-to-discomfort-somatic-practices-for-difficult-feelings

https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/docs/act-strategies-guide.pdf

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Recommended Learning Plans

LEARNING PLAN

Learn to identify & express my emotions

Emotional awareness is a foundational life skill that impacts everything from personal relationships to professional success and mental health. This learning plan is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their emotions, struggles to articulate how they feel, or wants to develop greater self-awareness and emotional resilience. Whether you're navigating stress, seeking personal growth, or wanting to improve your communication and leadership abilities, understanding and naming your emotions is an essential starting point.

4 h 2 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Courage to Face Life

This plan is essential for anyone feeling paralyzed by anxiety or the urge to avoid difficult conversations and situations. It is specifically designed for individuals looking to build emotional resilience and practical communication skills to reclaim control over their professional and personal lives.

1 h 36 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Move through sudden waves of sadness

Sudden waves of sadness can feel destabilizing and isolating without the right tools to navigate them. This plan is designed for anyone seeking to understand their emotional patterns and develop a compassionate, resilient approach to mental well-being.

4 h 24 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Build Unshakable Emotional Literacy

This plan is essential for professionals and individuals who feel overwhelmed by their emotional impulses or social anxieties. It provides the tools to replace knee-jerk reactivity with mindful presence, making it ideal for those seeking to lead with authenticity and composure.

1 h•2 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Body awareness

This learning plan is essential for individuals seeking to bridge the gap between mind and body to improve emotional regulation and resilience. It is particularly beneficial for those recovering from stress or trauma who want to master somatic techniques and nervous system health.

5 h 25 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Manage Mindset, Sadness, and Anger

This plan is essential for individuals seeking to move beyond reactive emotional patterns and build lasting psychological resilience. It is ideal for anyone looking to master emotional regulation and transform their mindset into a tool for personal growth.

4 h•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Connect Deeply and Speak Bravely

This learning plan is essential for anyone struggling with social anxiety or professional conflict. It provides a practical roadmap for individuals looking to balance emotional regulation with assertive communication in their personal and work lives.

3 h 50 m•5 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Embodied Calm: Beyond Intellectual Anxiety

This plan is essential for high-achievers who find that 'thinking their way out' of stress often leads to more rumination. It is designed for anyone looking to transition from intellectualizing their anxiety to physically managing it through actionable somatic skills.

1 h 12 m•3 Sections

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now