The Anxious Achiever The Toll of Shame on Mind and Body
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Feb 5, 2025 David Bedrick, an author and founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-Based Studies, dives into the often-unseen burden of shame we carry daily. He discusses its detrimental effects on mental and physical health, from stifling relationships to preventing personal growth. Bedrick shares strategies for addressing past traumas, the importance of empathy in healing, and how shame manifests in professional settings and financial pressures, particularly for men. He emphasizes the necessity of open dialogues to combat shame and transform our emotional well-being.
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Shame Defined
- Shame is an internalized witness, interpreting our experiences through a lens of self-devaluation.
- It concludes with "what's wrong with you?" and "you don't matter."
Witnessing Violence and Shame
- David Bedrick shares a personal story of growing up with a violent father and a dismissive mother.
- This shaped his shame lens, leading to physical symptoms like stomachaches and self-doubt.
Chronic Illness as a Messenger
- Chronic illness can be a messenger, communicating an individual's story and unmet needs.
- Shame interprets these symptoms as problems to eliminate, rather than valuable information.