avatarMona Lazar

Summary

A life-changing conversation with a therapist emphasizes the importance of living authentically and pursuing personal truth for true happiness, despite the potential for loneliness and despair.

Abstract

The article recounts a transformative dialogue between an individual and an experienced therapist, where the individual expresses fear of being unhappy by being unapologetically themselves. The therapist counters this by asserting that happiness is unattainable without living in accordance with one's own truth. They highlight that those who embark on mental and spiritual growth may experience intense emotions, both positive and negative, but these are indicative of a life lived fully. The therapist contrasts this with the "herd" who, by following societal norms, remain in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction and fear, unaware of their own emotional suppression. The therapist ultimately encourages embracing one's true self and the joys and sorrows that come with it, echoing Allen Ginsberg's sentiment to follow one's inner moonlight without hiding one's uniqueness.

Opinions

  • The therapist believes that living according to one's truth is essential for experiencing true happiness, even if it leads to moments of loneliness and despair.
  • The therapist opines that those who do not follow their own path are never truly happy, as they live in survival mode, governed by fear, obedience, and sadness.
  • The therapist suggests that the so-called "blissful middle ground" of conformity is actually a state of constant low-level unhappiness, devoid of the potential for genuine joy.
  • The individual is concerned about the extremes of emotion that come with self-discovery and personal growth.
  • The therapist encourages the individual to embrace their unique path, suggesting it is the only way to achieve a fulfilling life.
  • The article includes a quote from Allen Ginsberg, reinforcing the idea of embracing one's individuality and the "madness" that comes with it.

This Conversation With an Experienced Therapist Changed the Course of My Life

Forever grateful!

Photo by Brad Starkey on Unsplash

Me: “What if I was wrong? What if in choosing to be unapologetically myself I’ll also be extremely terribly unhappy?”

Therapist: “People who don’t live according to their truth are never happy. The ones who work on mental and spiritual growth, who are open to know themselves for what they truly are and dare to not follow the beaten path experience moments of extreme joy and ecstatic happiness, but also of profound loneliness and despair.”

Me: “Loneliness and despair sound awful. Isn’t it better to follow the beaten path? To stop searching? To just let it go and follow the herd?”

Therapist: “No. Because the herd is in survival mode. They are never happy.”

Me: “But they are never unhappy either. I have very high highs and very low lows. Aren’t they in a blissful middle ground? Nothing but peace and quiet?”

Therapist: “Not at all. They are always low. With 0 chance of even getting a glimpse of true happiness. They go about their lives in perpetual fear, obedience and deep sadness. It seems different because they are usually not conscious of their feeling. But the feelings are there.”

Me: ‘So then the right choice is…’

Therapist: “Being who you really are, doing what brings you joy, following the path of your soul. It’s our only chance.“

“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.” ― Allen Ginsberg

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