Feelings can be deceptive, but after the Holy Eucharist in the Orthodox Church, I feel a more profound presence and sense of awe and love than I felt as a Catholic. Likewise, I can actually FEEL like I'm spiritually draining without the Eucharist if I skip a week and don't go to liturgy. I feel a spiritual shot in the arm, an overwhelming blessing that comes down on me.
At Confession, I feel, as Matt said, like a weight has been lifted. Usually for me it feels like an ANVIL has been removed from my head!
Confession in Orthodoxy is much more prescriptive, full of counsel, and it has more ritual and beauty to it. The sense that you are your priest's spiritual child and that he is witnessing a mystery and something greater than both of you is what is wonderful. The entire thing is powerful. I always leave Confession rejuvenated, energized, and Communion becomes even deeper.
Both sacraments are very medicinal and life-changing. I never walk away ho-hum or "as you were" about it. I always have a spring in my step and a chin up and big smile.
So, despite the fact that feelings can be deceptive, I'll take the wonderful feelings that these sacraments have given me!
