In the folly of my teenage years, I had a default coping strategy which, although not actually acted upon, most likely set the stage for some problematic years and experiences. Whenever a troubling circumstance or situation felt beyond my skill set, I would visualize running as fast as I could and jumping a freight train. Where was the train headed? In my adolescent mind, the answer was always: “Wherever I could escape having to experience the damned feelings running through me.” The great flaw in this strategy, of course, is that wherever you go, there you are. To run, run, run, run-runaway makes no sense at all. Neither, truly, does anger, when it is a means of coping with fear.
Although I stopped visualizing jumping a freight train to escape uncomfortable or fearful situations many years ago, my childish strategy for dealing with the stresses of life may have covertly morphed into other mechanisms (such as distraction, or a bull-dog “let’s-make-this-right” attitude) that are also ineffective at dealing with the root of the issues. In the first, we’re basically ignoring the hurt through redirection of our attention; in the second, we’re putting our shoulder against the world and expecting it to move. The main point is that unfelt issues related to the human experience–such as loss, embarrassment, guilt, shame, regret, grief, loneliness, ridicule, resentment, and fear–are potentially going to turn around and bite us where it hurts unless we acknowledge them at the time…and feel them. The following are examples of situations that might give rise to uncomfortable feelings:
- What does it feel like to lose a loved one?
- What does it feel like to experience sudden divorce?
- What does it feel like to be given a life-changing diagnosis?
- What does it feel like to be faced with homelessness?
- What does it feel like to be forced to change careers midlife?
- What does it feel like to be estranged from family members?
- What does it feel like to have high expenses and low income?
This strategy related to feeling is not intended to bog us down in self pity or remorse. Its effect is actually the opposite–to liberate us. By feeling what needs to be felt, we gain greater clarity of perspective and allow ourselves to positively move forward. I believe that the following quote from Joseph Campbell expresses the best potential result:
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
By simply being with our fears (and, as a dear friend suggested, even welcoming them), we disarm so many of their negative effects. When we take time to be (with the good, the bad, and the ugly), we allow their energies to be felt and accepted. Our intention is not to judge anything; for this is the grand territory of Isness, not the petty place of rightness or wrongness. From the vantage point of Being, we realize that nothing can truly harm us. We are not our stories of triumph or tragedy; nor are we the character playing the starring role in our life movie. Fear, when faced, loses so much of its imagined power.
In my life story, I have come a long apparent way. No longer am I seeking to run away from my fears on a freight train headed for who knows where. Now, I’m willing to sit with what frightens me–including sides of my personality that are less than perfect, and circumstances that feel uncomfortable. This, I believe, is opening me to all of the incredible goodness that this life has to offer. May such also happen for you.
Dare to dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell
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If you enjoyed this article (originally published at my personal blog), you can find more of my writing at https://think2wice.me/. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡
This entire piece is about the crossroad I’m at right now in my life. I used to visualize running off to some isolated island and switching off from everything. I actually acted upon my switching off resulting in moments of shutting everyone and everything off whenever I’m going through something. Now I’m relearning how to deal with each of those issues and it’s so damn hard. Your post made me realize I’m not d only one who has been running away. Thanks!
Hello Tia,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share some of what you’re experiencing. I’m glad that you’re learning how to deal with whatever arises; yes, it may feel challenging at first, but (I’m learning) that as we continue to do it that we feel so much stronger and also lighter. To lean into our challenges and feel what needs to be felt–so good.
Keep the faith; I believe in you!
Kind regards,
Art
Nicely said and so true!
Thank you, Todd!
Beautifulpost Art. It resonated deeply. I believe by shunning our negative emotions we end up shunning the positive ones too. In the long run that builds up inside until they’re released in less than desirable ways. In my experience, when I allow those difficult emotions to surface, I inevitably end up feeling much better. After they’ve passed a certain peace washed over me. Wishing you well Art 🙏
That was me btw. Hadn’t signed in so it came up as anonymous. 🙏
Thank you, AP2; I’m glad that you liked the post! I’m also grateful to you for sharing more of your insights! You know what I really like about all of this apparent human journey? The learning, and to be open to our own evolution! Thanks again!
Wow, I love that Joseph Cambell quote, Art. And sitting with your fears – a courageous and meaty practice. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hi, Wynne. I’m glad that you liked the quote! Yes, sitting with fears—something very new (at least for me) and empowering. 🙏
Everything you said resonated with me, but I especially liked this part, “nor are we the character playing the starring role in our life movie. Fear, when faced, loses so much of its imagined power.” Fantastic and enriching post – thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad that the post resonated with you! I truly appreciate your taking the time to comment! 🙏
Very difficult questions Art! Thank you for making me thinking about changes in life!
Very difficult questions Art. Thank you for making me thinking about my feelings towards change.