Friday 6 February 2009

Beware of The Thought Police. Is it you?

To watch or read any news this week, it seems that everyone's having to apologise for something someone thinks they should never have said.

Call me PC but I'm all for being kind and avoiding hurting anyone (whether it's a minority or majority, everyone has feelings and respect is a good thing).

I don't believe that my (or anyone else's) freedom of expression should over-ride someone else's right to not be verbally abused or insulted.

Having said that, we all have "bad" thoughts. Thoughts that, if we suppress and repress them, will only bubble up inappropriately and hurtfully.

If something's upsetting you and you're not comfortable enough (even in your own head, in your diary or with a trusted friend or therapist) to explore those feelings, you won't be able to shine a healing light on them so they can be released.

Instead, they'll fester and make you feel guilty for even having them (while also using up a lot of your energy as you try to deny them).

If you have thoughts that just won't be silenced, light a candle or small flashlight. Begin to examine them.

In many cases, just acknowledging them will help you set them (and yourself) free without hurting anyone.

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / http://www.applecoaching.com/ 2009.

No comments: