Liberation from shame is often confused with detachment from feelings because people believe that it involves rejecting their emotions and ignoring them completely.
This can lead to further problems and create a sense of disconnection between themselves and others. It's important to understand the difference between these concepts to promote healthy self-esteem and develop meaningful relationships.
Shame is a powerful emotion that can negatively impact one's mental health and well-being. It can cause feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and humiliation, which can be difficult to process. Many individuals may feel ashamed about their bodies, sexual desires, past experiences, or personal choices. This feeling can prevent them from expressing themselves fully and experiencing true intimacy with others. To escape from such negative thoughts and emotions, some people may attempt to detach themselves from feeling altogether. They may suppress their emotions, avoid talking about sensitive topics, or hide certain aspects of their lives.
Detaching oneself from feeling, however, is an unhealthy approach to coping with shame. It means denying one's emotional responses and refusing to acknowledge them as valid or legitimate. This can result in feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
It prevents individuals from developing authentic connections with others who share similar experiences. By repressing their emotions, they risk losing touch with their needs and desires, leading to unsatisfactory relationships.
Instead of detaching from feeling, individuals should learn to recognize and accept their emotions without judging or shaming themselves. Self-compassion involves being kind and gentle towards oneself during times of difficulty. It involves acknowledging that everyone experiences shame at some point and recognizing that it does not define them as a person. With this mindset, individuals can begin to work through their feelings and understand where they come from.
Therapy can also be helpful for those struggling with shame and detachment issues. A therapist can provide guidance and support while helping individuals develop new coping strategies and build self-esteem.
Groups or support communities can offer a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving validation from others who have been there too.
Liberating oneself from shame requires understanding the difference between detachment from feeling and accepting one's emotions. Embracing these feelings can lead to greater self-awareness, better mental health, and more meaningful relationships.
Why do many people confuse liberation from shame with detachment from feeling?
In a social context, detaching oneself from feelings can be understood as an act of self-protection that may help individuals avoid embarrassment or humiliation. This might involve disconnecting from one's personal experience, suppressing negative thoughts and emotions, or ignoring situations that could potentially trigger them. Detachment is often used as a defense mechanism against anxiety, which can lead to the belief that it is safer to shut down than to embrace vulnerability.