Many worries can manifest as anxiety, prompting compulsive behaviors such as excessive busyness, internet usage, or even substance abuse to avoid confronting these feelings. Similarly, past traumas can create a façade of happiness, masking deeper emotional wounds. The failure to process emotions results in a lack of originality in our thoughts and can lead to depression and insomnia.
The author emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and creating an environment where acknowledging human difficulties is accepted. Processing emotions requires support from friends, therapists, and practices like Philosophical Meditation, which allow us to explore our feelings safely.
Ultimately, acknowledging our emotions can lead to improved mood, but it often requires facing the sadness that life presents.
Vocabulary:
• Compulsive: Doing something repeatedly and often against one's will or better judgment.
• Vulnerability: The state of being open to emotional harm or damage.
• Cynicism: An attitude of doubt or skepticism about people's motives or sincerity.
• Compassion: A feeling of deep sympathy and concern for someone who is suffering.
Source: The school of life