So lately in the postings, I've been exploring the possibility that the road to confidence (and route out of social anxiety and the fear of interacting with others) is to get okay with all the feelings we have and any expression of them that emerges visibly from our body. (You can find these postings grouped in the "being real?" subject category).
But how do we really do this? This thing that seems outlandish to my fearful mind! How do really get okay with our feelings and expressions? Assuming that we think this sounds like a possible solution to feeling nervous around other people, social discomfort, social anxiety or phobia or whatever term you want to use?
"For I can understand this as a solution intellectually," I tell myself.
But then as soon as I say this, I realize that that's all I might need. If I get it intellectually, then all I have to do - to live it - is to let my body go as it wants but stick to what I also know intellectually. (I have a sneaking suspicion that my line of argument is one more effort to try to keep my feelings and emotions covered and repressed or un-expressed. That desire is so strong!)
For if I can just stick with the motto that it's okay intellectually, then what else is there to get? If I truly want this, then I must let my body go...and be okay with it.
Hi! I have really enjoyed reading your posts!
I'm battling with social phobia for years now, but getting from intellectually "getting" what you're saying to actually "doing" it is just so incredibly tough!
Posted by: baby blues | May 11, 2008 at 01:55 PM