Are you Scared... of Yourself?

WHY ARE YOU SCARED?

...of feeeeeeeeeeling?

Is the myth of all-or-nothing? "If I start crying, I won't stop!"

Is it the myth of giving in? "If I let myself feel angry, I'll be a miserable human being?"

Or the myth of giving in (to anxiety): "If I allow myself to feel anxious, the panic will overwhelm me!"

The myths are not necessarily true. Yes, someone can be angry so often they become miserable. Yes depression can perpetuate over long periods of time. Yes, if you focus on anxious thoughts, your anxiety will grow. All of these involve not knowing how to feel in a constructive, healthy way.

WHEN YOU LEARN TO FEEL MINDFULLY, YOUR MIND HEALS.

The difference is that the examples above involve being caught up in and focused on the story in your head. The more you play the story, the more terrible the feelings become. In contrast, those who can be with their feelings can FEEL THROUGH them - and they come out on the other side!

There are many who can help deepen your understanding: a wise therapist, a Buddhist writer who teaches about training the mind, or perhaps someone you already know. The practice of healing your emotions is a skill. You can learn a skill. I encourage everyone to pursue emotional health and healing as these things can be practiced, leading to a genuinely happier self.