The question of how soldiers can maintain emotional availability without sacrificing their professional obligations is one that has been explored by many scholars and researchers over the years. While the ideal solution may seem simple – just be honest about your feelings – it's more complicated than that. Stoicism plays an important role in the military culture and tradition of silence, which means that expressing emotions openly can be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability.
This doesn't mean that emotions should be completely suppressed; instead, soldiers need to find ways to express themselves while still adhering to professional norms. This article will explore some strategies for achieving this balance.
One strategy that can help is setting boundaries around when and where you share your emotions.
Rather than venting your frustrations to anyone who will listen, reserve them for trusted friends or family members outside of work. You might also consider writing in a journal, where you can process your thoughts privately. It can also be helpful to set aside time each day to reflect on your feelings and identify what's triggering them. This allows you to better understand your own emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Another strategy is to practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These activities can help you stay present in the moment and avoid getting carried away by negative thoughts or emotions.
They can provide a sense of calm and control that can make it easier to cope with stressors like deployment or combat situations.
It's crucial to remember that everyone has different emotional needs and that there's no one-size-fits-all solution for maintaining emotional availability while remaining professional. Some people may find comfort in sharing their feelings more frequently than others, while others may prefer to keep their personal life separate from their job.
The key is finding what works best for you and finding a balance between being emotionally available and professionally responsible.
How do soldiers maintain emotional availability while adhering to professional norms of stoicism?
Soldiers face many challenges when trying to maintain emotional availability while also upholding the standards of military discipline and stoicism. On one hand, they must remain physically and emotionally strong for their missions, which can involve dangerous situations where death or injury is a real possibility. On the other hand, they are expected to be able to suppress their feelings and follow orders without question.