"The only way to ease our fear and be truly happy is to acknowledge our fear and look deeply at its source. Instead of trying to escape from our fear, we can invite it up to our awareness and look at it clearly and deeply." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
In this work, Thich Nhat Hanh, writes on the importance of releasing the practice of repressing our emotions. He states that because we live in a world of distraction, many of us have large blocks of pain and suffering buried in our consciousness we cannot bear to face. He believes distraction as a method of coping only leads to increased pain and suffering in our lives.
Hanh suggests instead allowing our emotions to speak to us, transform us, free us. In Fear, he says we can begin trading the paralysis of dread and confusion for the clarity of pause and acknowledgement through the practice of mindful awareness. Hanh says facing our discomfort is the path to peace and freedom.
"People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This reading might encourage you to explore the following:
What emotions have I had difficulty facing?
In what ways would learning to look deeply at my emotions transform my life?
Am I willing to face my fears and allow them to liberate me?
