328. Numbing Out To Avoid Our Feelings: A Conversation With Rachel Hart
Feb 8, 2024
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Life coach Rachel Hart joins the host to discuss numbing out to avoid negative emotions. They explore why people numb, the different ways women use numbing strategies, the concept of socially programmed anxiety, and the stories and symbolism associated with drinking. They also discuss substituting addictive behaviors, exploring drinking archetypes, and invite listeners to join the Feminist Self-Help Society.
Numbing behaviors are used to avoid negative emotions, and it is important to have a conscious and intentional relationship with them.
Understanding personal drinking archetypes can help individuals develop a more intentional and conscious approach to alcohol and create meaningful change.
Deep dives
Understanding the Purpose of Numbing Behaviors
In this episode, the speaker explains that numbing behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, are used to avoid negative emotions and thoughts. The speaker emphasizes that everyone engages in some form of numbing and it is human to do so. However, it is important to have a conscious and intentional relationship with numbing behaviors. The speaker encourages having a variety of tools and strategies to cope with negative emotions instead of relying solely on numbing. Understanding socially programmed anxiety and challenging self-critical thoughts are essential for changing one's relationship with numbing behaviors.
The Multiple Reasons Behind Drinking
The podcast episode explores the various reasons people use alcohol as a numbing strategy. It highlights different archetypes that people often exhibit in relation to their drinking habits. Some common reasons include using alcohol as a reward, a way to form emotional bonds, a means of escape, a form of self-expression, a remedy for discomfort, a coping mechanism for boredom, or a release from societal expectations. The archetypes help individuals understand their desires and urges, enabling them to develop a more conscious and intentional relationship with alcohol.
The Challenges of Resolutions and Changing Drinking Habits
The podcast delves into the challenges of making resolutions around drinking and why they often fail. It discusses the unrealistic expectation of willpower and quantifying drinking habits. The speaker emphasizes the need for emotional tools to manage discomfort and handle urges effectively. It is important to address underlying emotions, beliefs, and thought patterns that contribute to drinking habits. By developing curiosity, humor, and understanding around desires and urges, individuals can create lasting change in their relationship with alcohol.
Self-Knowledge and Empowering Change
The episode introduces the concept of identifying and understanding personal drinking archetypes. These archetypes help individuals gain self-knowledge and explore the deeper meaning behind their drinking behavior. By recognizing the different motivations and stories associated with drinking, individuals can develop a more intentional and conscious approach to alcohol. The archetypes serve as a valuable tool for unraveling one's relationship with alcohol and creating meaningful change.
This week I’m talking numbing out with fellow life coach (and my platonic life soulmate and bestie) Rachel Hart. Whether you use drinking, eating, shopping, or Netflix binges, numbing is what we do to distract from, or try to get away from, negative emotions. Tune in to find out why it’s important to get to the root of why you’re numbing out, why numbing feels so good, and what many women are using numbing for.