Shame is one of those emotions that we feel ashamed of feeling. So we have two layers of shame, and sometimes even more. This leads to the behavior of hiding the shame and keeping it secret, even from those we are close to.
Although researchers like Brene Brown have began the conversation around shame, we still have a long way to go in accepting that feeling shame is normal and that we can learn to get to know it in a kind way. In fact, when we do get to know it, we realize it doesn’t have to have any power over us.
We suffer when we feel we need to hide the shame from ourselves and from those we trust. The hiding from it and distracting from it is what keeps us in a cycle of suffering.
If we really look into shame and bring it into the light of awareness, we can transform it. We can learn to change the beliefs that are perpetuating the shame and be kind to that part that needs tenderness and care. We can learn about what age we were when it was born and find ways to bring compassion to that part of us that didn’t know any better.
Getting to know our emotions in a curious way, is a very important part of healing the suffering, whether it be healing shame, anxiety or depression.
Looking into suffering 