Abdomen Quote by Alexander Lowen
“While the repression of a memory is a psychological process, the suppression of feeling is accomplished by deadening a part of the body or reducing its motility so that feeling is diminished. The repression of the memory is dependent upon and related to the suppression of feeling, for as long as the feeling persists, the memory remains vivid. Suppression entails the development of chronic muscular tension in those areas of the body where the feeling would be experienced. In the case of sexual feeling, this tension is found in and about the abdomen and pelvis”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Language of the Body” by Alexander Lowen, 1975
Memory repression and emotional suppression are linked; unprocessed feelings keep memories vivid and cause muscular tension.
In simple terms: Repressed feelings keep memories vivid and cause tension.
Key Takeaway
Release emotions to ease body tension.
Themes
psychosomatics
memory
emotional health
Mood
somatic
introspective
Type
therapeutic
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- stress management
- physical health
- relationships
Key Concepts
body‑mind integration
trauma theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What feelings are you holding?
- How can you safely express suppressed emotions?
A Different Perspective
Physical tension may persist without emotional work.
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