Shame, anger, despair, depression, addiction, ect are all transcended in much the same way. Through surrender. I have learned this lesson many times and in many different ways. Through near death experiences, addictions, psychedelics, trauma, and many times in grief.
Once you see the way broadly, you see in it all things. I always rejected the idea as a child in church, had to see it for myself I guess.
Shame is a profound feeling of distress or humiliation that arises from the perception of oneself as fundamentally flawed or inadequate. It is not merely about a specific action or behavior but rather an indictment of the self as a whole. This can hinder personal growth because it locks a person into a state of feeling unworthy of improvement or happiness.
Guilt, on the other hand, centers on actions rather than inherent worth. It involves feeling responsible or regretful for a perceived offense, mistake, or wrongdoing. Unlike shame, guilt can be constructive; it focuses on behavior and is tied to our conscience—a sense of moral right and wrong. It motivates corrective actions and fosters growth by encouraging us to make amends or change negative behaviors.
Having a conscience relates to the capacity to evaluate and discern right from wrong and feel remorse for actions that are morally or socially unacceptable. It acts as an internal guide based on personal ethics and societal norms, helping to navigate decisions and behaviors. Conscience-driven guilt is beneficial because it steers us towards reconciliation and better choices, whereas shame, especially when pervasive, can paralyze and isolate, making it harder to engage positively with life and one's sense of self.
I love this classic series of images you are using. Also, the talk itself is very important. And I will address my own shame and say that the best way for me to navigate that is to realize how much I forgive other people. If other people have shame and share it and then try to move on, I cheer and cheer for them. So, I can do that for myself. Even when the things I reflect upon are clearly shameful and poorly done to say the least, I can know that other people have elements of that as well. Some, more than others. It's hit and miss, but the compassion that we have for others, when applied to ourselves, makes our communities stronger. I love this. Thanks.
Wise words, beautifully written. Thank you.
Nice. Well said.
Shame, anger, despair, depression, addiction, ect are all transcended in much the same way. Through surrender. I have learned this lesson many times and in many different ways. Through near death experiences, addictions, psychedelics, trauma, and many times in grief.
Once you see the way broadly, you see in it all things. I always rejected the idea as a child in church, had to see it for myself I guess.
Gotta let go.
How are you defining shame? How is it distinguished from guilt? And having a conscience?
Shame is a profound feeling of distress or humiliation that arises from the perception of oneself as fundamentally flawed or inadequate. It is not merely about a specific action or behavior but rather an indictment of the self as a whole. This can hinder personal growth because it locks a person into a state of feeling unworthy of improvement or happiness.
Guilt, on the other hand, centers on actions rather than inherent worth. It involves feeling responsible or regretful for a perceived offense, mistake, or wrongdoing. Unlike shame, guilt can be constructive; it focuses on behavior and is tied to our conscience—a sense of moral right and wrong. It motivates corrective actions and fosters growth by encouraging us to make amends or change negative behaviors.
Having a conscience relates to the capacity to evaluate and discern right from wrong and feel remorse for actions that are morally or socially unacceptable. It acts as an internal guide based on personal ethics and societal norms, helping to navigate decisions and behaviors. Conscience-driven guilt is beneficial because it steers us towards reconciliation and better choices, whereas shame, especially when pervasive, can paralyze and isolate, making it harder to engage positively with life and one's sense of self.
I love this classic series of images you are using. Also, the talk itself is very important. And I will address my own shame and say that the best way for me to navigate that is to realize how much I forgive other people. If other people have shame and share it and then try to move on, I cheer and cheer for them. So, I can do that for myself. Even when the things I reflect upon are clearly shameful and poorly done to say the least, I can know that other people have elements of that as well. Some, more than others. It's hit and miss, but the compassion that we have for others, when applied to ourselves, makes our communities stronger. I love this. Thanks.