Suppression

I felt a wonderful sense of relief and gladness the other day. It was so strong that it was almost alarming.

What I realized when this happened was that for the longest time, perhaps forever, I’ve kept my emotions so in check that it amounted to suppressing them constantly.

That raises the question to what extent one should restrain one’s emotion. Restraint means acting more rationally in the face of adversity, but it also means, to a certain extent, not really living.

So it is a dilemma. My constant suppression means that I have been able to navigate difficulties with rational reactions, but have I really lived? Not really.

Discipline

Decisions

Do you make decisions with your mind or your heart?

Stoicism

Don’t just react emotionally. Think first, then act with deliberation after assessing your options.

The more you practice doing this, the easier it gets. Muscle memory.

Inner Demon

Welcome to Humanity

We all experience it — you cannot speak.
Something deep inside acts up,
And will not be denied.

You have this choking sensation
Like something stuck – burning — in the throat.

You must wait for it to pass
Before you can speak again.
An emotion so raw and primitive it paralyzes.

Sorrow, sadness, despair —
All weeping together…
A dam of emotion let loose.

It’s humanity’s response to personal tragedy
When the only possible response…
Letting go your emotions;
Letting those wild horses run free.

Welcome to humanity.

All Poetry — Henry Barnard

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