Guilt V. Shame
What is the difference between guilt and shame and why is the distinction crucial for our emotional and spiritual health? It’s invaluable to discern the difference between guilt and shame so that we can respond appropriately in situations and can ask others to respond to us appropriately and fairly also. It’s also vital that we know whether we are feeling bad because of something we have done or because we have simply gotten into the habit of feeling bad.
Guilt is somethin…
Healthy Guilt, Unhealthy Guilt
Guilt is the feeling that results when you tell yourself that you have done something wrong.
HEALTHY GUILT
Healthy guilt is the feeling that occurs when you have actually done something wrong – such as deliberately harming someone. This is an important feeling, which results from having developed a conscience – a loving adult self who is concerned with your highest good and the highest good of all. People who never developed a conscience and feel no guilt or remorse ov…
Self-Abandonment
The Encarta® World English Dictionary defines “abandon” as: “to leave somebody or something behind for others to look after, especially somebody or something meant to be a personal responsibility.”
As adults, our own wellbeing is our personal responsibility.
Do you abandon yourself, instead making others responsible for you, and then feel abandoned by others when they leave you or don’t take responsibility for you?
As an adult, another person cannot abandon you, sinc…
The Most Powerful Word – No!
In our society the default answer to nearly every question is “Yes.” Advertising is all geared towards getting us to say “Yes – I need that.” We phrase our inquiries looking for yes: “Would you like more coffee?” “Would you be interested in joining me for dinner?” “Would you help me move next week?” “Would you mind if I asked you a personal question?” “Do you love me?” With such a powerful default answer ingrained in us it can be very difficult to say anything else – often le…
What Can You Say “Yes!” To?
I recently made a commitment to a 21-day community phone-based meditation. I was a little concerned about making this commitment as the call was at 7am – a bit early for me. But I was excited about the meditation I’d experienced and was looking forward to joining the meditation community that was being created.
So I jumped right in and began my 6:30am wake up time and 7am meditation. What I quickly remembered was that this was one of the things that I *hated* about working…
Your Inner Wizard
Over the last month I’ve been doing a lot of work to clarify my business ideas and practices. In the process I stumbled across (or rather was led by my own coach to) this idea of the “inner wizard”. For me the inner wizard is the idea that we all have a little magical ability inside us that we can tap into at any time. Several years ago my friend Serena remarked to me “Magic is the art of conceiving of reality differently in such a way that it comes to pass.” This quote immed…
Guilt, Resentment, and Our Struggles
There is a profound connection between the feelings of guilt and resentment and the problems you struggle with: sex, money, weight, ambition, relationships, and parenting. A deeper understanding of these feelings will help you solve these problems.
Forgiveness: A Path to Healing
This article discusses the role of forgiveness in the journey toward healing. Shame, guilt, and forgiveness of self and others are discussed with practical steps towards achieving self-forgiveness.
Guilt and Self-Destructive Behaviors
Guilt: Parents’ Weapon of Choice
Toxic Guilt, Healthy Guilt
Are you plagued with guilt? There is a big difference between healthy guilt and toxic guilt. In this article, learn what creates toxic guilt and how to heal it.