How to NOT nurture yourself…

For most of us, we've basically been taught to ignore our emotions and feelings and push through our body senses. We pull up our bootstraps and just trust in the "facts" vs. what we're feeling right now.

For some of us - there are particular feelings we have not been allowed to feel.

In the sub-culture of religion these often include anger, anxiety and fear. We're told to pray them away, gain victory over them and if we still have it we haven't prayed enough or must have some sin in our life or lack of faith.

This environment has cause most of us to repress, orphan, exile, cast aside certain parts - not unlike Joy, in this Inside Out clip, does with Sadness.

After watching this clip - maybe take some time to journal or think through a bit of 
  • what you were taught about "emotions" - especially like fear, anxiety, anger and shame. 
  • What have you been taught to do with your shame - and in what ways is that helpful/not helpful to you in your current life and circumstances?
  • What longing is stirring in you right now of what you wish would look different for you?