Emotional Release: Images Versus Dry Body Awareness I am posting because I have had for the past years, despite my attempts at resolving this, trouble feeling my emotions and sensations. You could almost say I'm numb. To remedy this problem, I've thought of engaging in two practices.

First, I thought of sensing the basic aspects of the body, in my whole body, e.g. tingling, warmth/cold, numbness, etc. This has not let to gains so far because I seemingly cannot engage in discursive or associative thought while doing this, so I just feel my sensations mindfully period.

Second, I thought of visualizing images that I free-associate with, and in this situation lust in the form of images, anger in the form of images, and memories in the form of images arise. However, I'm worried that this might involve elaboration that doesn't exist, i.e. fantasy elements. However, if this is not undoing repression, I am not sure how else to undo my emotional repression.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.
Lack of sensitivity can occur due to using meditation techniques. Whenever a technique is used, such as watching breathing at abdomen or nose-tip, body scanning or the two methods proposed in the question, there will be a deliberate, fixed &amp; gross intention operating in the mind to exert the mind. This 'intention'  &amp; 'exertion' is a thought and it is this thought intention that hinders sensitivity. 

To feel the body, breathing &amp; associated feelings &amp; emotions sensitively, the ideal practise is to simply 'let go' of all wanting &amp; all intention. The mind must be quiet however the effort used must be a little as possible. Just sit, but very quietly.