Embrace the “dark emotions” in 2013!
The following are links to the top 10 blog posts from 2012. I initially started the blog to support and promote my new book, How To Lose Control: and Gain Emotional Freedom. However, I quickly came to realize , that the blog was a uniquely powerful means of reaching a world wide audience to help spread a message that I believe is critical for people to here. The primary message is that much of human suffering, including many psychiatric symptoms, is the direct result of our attempts to control and avoid emotional pain. I have thus far attempted to show how some of the cultural and individual learning histories conspire to create these control endeavors. I have also attempted to demonstrate some of the many ways that our control endeavors contribute to suffering. I have endeavored to provide pragmatic though not always easy techniques to help people to face and embrace their avoided emotional pain through a powerful hybrid of emotional exposure and eastern mindfulness practices: a synthesis which I term Integrative Mindful Exposure. Finally, I have explored how to embrace some of the most avoided emotions: fear, shame and anger.
I hope to build upon this foundation over the next year. My real hope is to encourage increased participation from the readership. Google Analytics reveals that there are many readers all around the world. I invite all of you to participate. I have attempted to respond to each and every comment submitted over the year. I am extremely grateful to those who have posted comments and to those brave souls who have endeavored to put some of my techniques and suggestions into practice. Anyone who chooses to face their avoided pain has my undying admiration and respect. It will be my endeavor and honor to continue to serve well as some source of guidance and encouragement enough to warrant your continued interest and participation.
Top 10 blog posts of 2012:
1) https://blackturtlebooks.com/vampire-hunting-naming-shame/
2) https://blackturtlebooks.com/emotional-surfing-toxic-shame/
3) https://blackturtlebooks.com/fear-exposure-implosion-therapy/
4) https://blackturtlebooks.com/integrative-mindful-exposure-emotional-surfing/
5) https://blackturtlebooks.com/emotional-pain-the-hole/
6) https://blackturtlebooks.com/mindfulness-and-pain/
7) https://blackturtlebooks.com/lose-control-tyranny-of-the-to-do-lists/
8) https://blackturtlebooks.com/why-sea-turtles-dont-get-panic-ii/
9) https://blackturtlebooks.com/shame-and-anxiety/
10) https://blackturtlebooks.com/mindfulness-vs-exposure/
So, resolve to embrace the dark emotions in 2013!! I look forward to the continued journey together.
May all find peace in the heart of pain.
