Shame prevents healing

Shame is a powerful, painful feeling that expresses itself in various ways throughout our minds and bodies.  Most shame attacks have the following components:  a physical response, uncomfortable thoughts, troubled behaviors and spiritual pain.  A shame attack is overpowering. 

Even if we have the presence of mind to know that much of what shame is screaming is inaccurate, even wrong, it does not help.  We may tell ourselves we have nothing to be ashamed of but the body will not quit its quest, demanding that we acknowledge our shame.  Shame is not willing to merely be recognized, it wants to be in charge.

Physically, our face may heat up.  We cannot get our eyes to make contact with the world.  We drop our head and our shoulders droop.  Our chest might become tight. It may feel like a big elephant has taken up residence on top of our ribs.  Some folks experience a racing heartbeat.  Most shame attacks leave us feeling self-conscious and small.  The more aware we become of our shame, the worse it gets.  We want to shrink away.  Shame triggers painful, critical thoughts.  We feel vulnerable.  We call ourselves horrible names.  These feelings are so painful that the recipient wants to extricate themselves from them ASAP. 

Is it any wonder that shame impedes our healing?