Expressing ourselves honestly and openly can leave us wide open to the risk of pain and hurt if it’s not received with compassion or understanding. So why do it? Protection can take over where we hide our true selves and become distant and separate from each other. I want to take the risk of being open and honest in an attempt to connect with others and to encourage them to be open and honest too, even if it’s not guaranteed to work out.
Giraffe takes a risk, she is even received fairly well, and yet she still has a massive shame and fear reaction which she cannot fully articulate. Truthy understands the sensitivity of the moment and tries to help her but something is inhibiting Giraffe’s awareness. Social shame is a powerful reaction to keep us in line but it can also prevent us from being truly ourselves if we don’t question the internal thinking behind the reaction.
What could be happening for Giraffe that she is so ashamed of openly expressing love?
This series of videos follows me from a dark place, where fear and anger prevail and emotional collapse is just around the corner. At times, I’m locked in and ready to self-destruct. I want to face myself, to look deeply at the inner workings of my thinking and feelings.
With the help of the delightful Truthy & Giraffe, who are much better able to express myself than I am, I find ways to handle my inner world and even reach a point of befriending myself. If these videos can support others to grow their personal insight and see the value of inner work then my fear and shame of posting them publicly will be easier to bear.