Just mentioning the word ‘shame’ can often cause us to hold our breath. We all know it. That grip in the gut and sick feeling inside. Isolating. Sometimes immobilizing.
It can help to remember that shame is a universal emotion. It evolved to help us stay connected socially – with friends, family and community. It is an old, old emotion that comes from the desire to be safe, seen and loved. Universal desires.
The poem by Hafiz called With That Moon Language speaks to this universal desire:
Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”
Of course you do not do this out loud, otherwise
someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one who lives with a
full moon in each eye that is
always saying,
with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in
this world is
dying to
hear?
The antidote to shame is self-compassion. Shame loosens its grip when we can turn towards it, feel it, understand it’s universality and begin to transform it with love. We learn to give ourselves what we really need.
Please join us in learning skills, practices and personal awareness that can help you nurture your innate capacity for self-compassion, mindfulness, and personal growth. Anyone can learn and everyone is welcome.
Check out our upcoming offerings at https://compassioninspiredhealth.com/mindful-self-compassion/
Victoria Pawlowski, RCC and Kristy Williams, MD
Mindful Self-Compassion Teachers
