DEFENCES
Defenses, just like fences, are good at keeping people out, and many people spend a large part of their lives behaving according to developed defense mechanisms. Defenses come in a well-disguised manner, such as suppressing emotions and feelings (I don't care or the opposite, always joyful attitude), overworking, procrastinating, resisting, attacking, running away, hiding, or even the feeling of depression.

​

BUT, there's a saying, "Do not remove a fence until you know why it was put up in the first place." We have developed our defenses for a reason, and before tearing them down, we need to learn about their function. We know our defenses are activated if we have a strong emotional reaction.  

​

BLOCKING EMOTIONS
From time to time, an inhibiting emotion such as shame, guilt, or anxiety can also get involved. These are called blocking emotions because these mechanisms cleverly keep people away from their genuine emotions and feelings. Thus they often no longer feel connected to their true selves. 

Being stuck in feeling any of those will hinder us from getting out of the victim triangle and taking necessary action. The good news - we can learn to use them as an early warning system. 

​

CORE EMOTIONS
Emotions are our navigation system, though not precisely a GPS, but more like a compass. There are no negative or positive emotions, per se, only an indication of which direction we're heading towards. And just like it is with a compass, it takes practice to start using emotions as a practical everyday tool rather than a distraction. We will look into how to apply joy, anger, fear, and sadness in a life-supportive way.

​

TRUE SELF
Emotions are a secondary reaction to underlying feelings. When we refer to the true self, we mean a state of being where your feelings, thoughts, words, and actions are fully aligned. Using your emotions to your advantage will give you clarity and make you feel confident, calm, centered, curious, caring, and connected.