avatarTree Langdon

Summary

Tree Langdon discusses overcoming self-blame and shame by practicing self-compassion through a method of writing conversations with an imagined compassionate figure.

Abstract

The article on the undefined website titled "Demonstrating Your Love is Energy in Motion" delves into the concept of using mindfulness and self-love to navigate through feelings of loneliness, shame, and self-blame. Tree Langdon, the author, shares a personal technique for dealing with negative spirals by engaging in a written dialogue with an idealized compassionate entity. This exercise involves acknowledging one's troubles and countering negative self-talk with affirmations of love, forgiveness, and innocence. Langdon emphasizes that this compassionate voice is accessible to everyone and is a reflection of the love and support we naturally extend to others. The process is aimed at validating emotions, allowing them to be released, and reinforcing the idea that emotions are energy in motion that requires witnessing and kindness.

Opinions

  • The author believes that traditional methods like talking or typing may not effectively combat deep negative thoughts due to the ego's interference.
  • Writing on paper is suggested as a way to slow down the thought process and focus on self-compassion.
  • The act of writing to a compassionate figure and receiving a loving response is presented as a powerful tool for self-healing and dealing with personal issues.
  • Langdon posits that everyone has the capacity to be this compassionate presence for themselves, drawing on experiences of offering love and support to others.
  • The article conveys the opinion that emotions need to be acknowledged and validated to be processed and released, emphasizing the transformative power of love and compassion in personal growth.

Life Lessons | Mindfulness | Self Love

Demonstrating Your Love is Energy in Motion

Bring Compassion into the Deep

Photo by Maxime Lebrun on Unsplash

Sometimes we blame ourselves for choices we’ve made in the past and go into a space of deep loneliness and shame. We spiral down in a self fulfilling funnel where we blame ourselves for not being able to climb out of the depths.

When I am in a shame spiral, I have learned to test my negative thoughts against Love.

I have found that I can’t talk myself out of the depths and using the computer as a way to write it out doesn’t work either. My ego jumps in front of me and makes up all kinds of excuses.

Taking a pen and paper slows things down and allows me to focus.

I write things down on paper so my ego doesn’t outwit me.

When I pick up my pen, I think of the most compassionate loving generous human I know. I imagine a person who doesn’t judge anything; a person who brings kindness and allowance to every situation.

Then I write to that person:

I’m in deep trouble. I need you.

Underneath, I write a response from that person:

I am here, what can I do for you?

I write:

I’m in serious trouble right now. I need your help.

and then I write down everything that I’m going through.

Next I write what that compassionate person would say to me. Use these words if you can’t think of any:

I love you, you are doing your best, you are a divine being, worthy of forgiveness and compassion and love and you didn’t know — if you had known, you wouldn’t have done it. You are really tired right now and you need your rest. You are innocent. We are all innocent. I’m going to sit with you all night and be here if you need me.”

I bring all my arguments and test them against that voice. I write:

I was an asshole, I am despicable. I did this and that and it was a stupid unforgivable choice.”

I write whatever it is that is troubling me. I bring all of the worst fears and problems to the page and write them down. That voice will take the worst that I can throw at her and she will work through it with me.

She always responds with love.

Never once has that voice said to me — yeah, you suck.

The response is always compassion and love.

This is a voice that we can all access. We’ve all heard those words of love; we have all offered those words to others when they needed it. We have all given support to someone in need or shown kindness to strangers.

Give yourself the support and love you need. Feel the emotions.

Emotions are energy in motion.

They are asking to be witnessed. They are seeking validation and love. And when they feel heard, they will move through you and be released.

Tree Langdon is a writer and editor for ILLUMINATION and Whispers of Magic. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.*

Life Lessons
Mindfulness
This Happened To Me
Mental Health
Love
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