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| | = The Hurts: Emotional Injury and Emotional Experience = | | = The Hurts: Emotional Injury and Emotional Experience = |
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| − | === Overview ===
| + | "The Hurts" is Andrew T. Austin's term for descriptions of emotional experience that use images of bodily injury or threat to life. Familiar expressions include "heartbroken", "stabbed in the back", "feeling crushed" and "having no room to breathe". The term belongs to [[About Metaphors of Movement|Metaphors of Movement]] and is used here to describe patterns of language and experience. |
| − | "The Hurts" is Andrew T. Austin's term for descriptions of emotional experience that use images of bodily injury or threat to life. Familiar expressions include "heartbroken", "stabbed in the back", "feeling crushed" and "having no room to breathe". They can convey different qualities of distress even when a speaker uses the same general emotion label. | |
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| − | == Background ==
| + | The article brings together three kinds of material: everyday expressions, observations within Austin's model, and comparisons with religious and artistic imagery. These provide different perspectives on a subject. A metaphor of injury is not, on its own, a diagnosis, a personality test or an explanation of why distress occurs. |
| − | Within [[About Metaphors of Movement|Metaphors of Movement]], these descriptions form one part of a wider vocabulary of position, movement, containment and constraint. Several features can occur together in one account. Their combination matters more than assigning an isolated image a fixed meaning.
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| − | The sections below collect idioms alongside Austin's observations and cultural comparisons. These are different kinds of material: a conventional expression, an observation from a model and a religious interpretation do not have the same status. A metaphor of injury is not, on its own, a diagnosis or an explanation of why distress occurs. References to enlightenment describe spiritual traditions and interpretations rather than a promised outcome of suffering.
| + | == Bodily language and emotional experience == |
| | + | Emotional descriptions often refer to the body. A person may speak of a heavy heart, a knot in the stomach or a weight on the chest. Such wording can describe a sensation, use a familiar figure of speech, or combine the two. The context and the person's account determine how the words are being used. |
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| − | The following groups organise examples of language. They should be read in their contexts rather than used to classify a person from a single phrase.
| + | Specific wording matters. "Crushed", "cut off" and "drained" all suggest difficulty, but they describe different events. Replacing them with a general label such as "upset" loses information. Equally, adding an injury, an attacker or a cause that the person has not described changes the account. |
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| − | === Violence (at the hand of another): ===
| + | The groups below organise examples of language. They can overlap with [[Burdens|burden]], [[Containers|containment]] and [[Obstructions|obstruction]] imagery, and are not separate types of people. |
| − | [[File:Andrew_T_Austin_stabbed-in-the-back.png|400px|right]]“Stabbed in the back,” “My guts have been ripped out,” “It's like I've been punched in the gut,” “She ripped my heart out,” “You hurt me.” | |
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| − | There are many more idioms in the English language that reflect the feeling of being hurt emotionally. Here are some more examples:
| + | === Injury, impact and betrayal === |
| | + | [[File:Andrew_T_Austin_stabbed-in-the-back.png|400px|right]] |
| | + | * '''Stabbed in the back:''' a conventional expression for betrayal, especially by someone trusted. |
| | + | * '''Cut to the quick:''' deeply hurt or offended by a remark or action. |
| | + | * '''Rub salt in the wound:''' make an existing hurt or difficulty worse. |
| | + | * '''Heartbroken:''' experiencing intense sorrow, often following loss or disappointment. |
| | + | * '''Torn apart:''' describing distress or conflicting demands through an image of separation or damage. |
| | + | * '''Feeling crushed:''' describing defeat, disappointment or pressure through an image of compression. |
| | + | * '''Leave someone reeling:''' leave them shocked or struggling to recover their composure. |
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| − | ::'''"Cut me to the quick"''' - This idiom refers to a sharp, sudden pain caused by someone's words or actions that hit you deep inside.
| + | These expressions do not all specify another person's action. A description of hurt can concern a relationship, a loss, an event or a situation. The participants and actions should come from the actual description. |
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| − | ::'''"Hit where it hurts"''' - This phrase means that someone has attacked you in a vulnerable area, such as emotionally or financially, causing great pain. | + | === Suffocation and lack of space === |
| | + | [[File:Andrew_T_Austin_metaphoric_illustration_of_a_person_being_smothered.png|400px|right]] |
| | + | * '''No room to breathe:''' insufficient space, freedom or respite. |
| | + | * '''Feeling smothered:''' experiencing attention, demands or closeness as excessive or restrictive. |
| | + | * '''Choked up:''' finding it difficult to speak because of emotion. |
| | + | * '''Stifled by rules:''' experiencing restrictions as preventing expression or action. |
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| − | ::'''"Rub salt in the wound"''' - When someone adds insult to injury by reminding you of a hurtful event, they are said to be rubbing salt in the wound.
| + | The figurative use of breathing language should not be confused with a conclusion about the cause of a physical symptom. "No room to breathe" may concern a crowded schedule, a relationship or a literal environment; the phrase alone does not settle the distinction. |
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| − | ::'''"Tear me apart"''' - This idiom describes a situation where something or someone has caused you so much emotional pain that you feel like you are being ripped apart from the inside out. | + | === Loss of vitality or resources === |
| | + | * '''Feeling drained:''' describing depletion or exhaustion. |
| | + | * '''Sapping my energy:''' describing an activity or interaction as consuming energy. |
| | + | * '''Sucking the life out of me:''' an emphatic description of depletion. |
| | + | * '''Emotionally bankrupt:''' using financial language to describe having little left to give. |
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| − | ::'''"Break my heart"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone has caused you so much emotional pain that your heart feels as if it is shattered into a million pieces.
| + | Terms such as "emotional vampire" and "parasitic relationship" present an evaluation of a relationship. They express a viewpoint rather than independently establish another person's motives or character. The imagery of depletion can also concern work, responsibility or circumstances, rather than a particular person. |
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| − | ::'''"Crush my soul"''' - This idiom describes a situation where someone has caused you so much emotional pain that you feel as if your very essence has been destroyed. | + | === Living death and a changed sense of self === |
| | + | [[File:Andrew_T-Austin_an_undead_person_trying_to_live_a_normal_life.png|400px|right]] |
| | + | Descriptions such as "a shadow of my former self", "dead inside" or "my life ended that day" can express a perceived break between life before and after an event. They may emphasise absence, loss of vitality, disconnection or a changed sense of identity. Their meaning remains tied to the speaker and situation. |
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| − | ::'''"Stomp on my feelings"''' - When someone treats your emotions with complete disregard, you might feel as if they are stomping on your feelings.
| + | These expressions do not establish post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD has clinical criteria involving several kinds of symptoms, their duration and their effect on daily life; it is not identified by a single metaphor. See the [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd National Institute of Mental Health overview of PTSD]. |
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| − | ::'''"Take the wind out of my sails"''' - This phrase means that someone has taken the wind out of your sails, leaving you feeling deflated and defeated.
| + | == Observations within Austin's model == |
| | + | Austin's discussion of The Hurts draws attention to differences in how people describe emotion and how they understand the descriptions of others. A recurring theme is the experience of feeling emotionally unrecognised: one person may hear "you hurt me" as an account of intense bodily feeling, while another may understand it as a more general expression of disapproval or disappointment. |
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| − | ::'''"Pierce my heart"''' - This idiom refers to a situation where someone has hurt you so deeply that it feels like they have pierced your heart with a sharp object.
| + | Within the model, a ''bias'' refers to a recurring emphasis in descriptions. It should not be treated as a measured population category. A preferred way of describing emotion does not establish someone's sexuality, intelligence, medical condition or future behaviour. |
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| − | ::'''"Leave me reeling"''' - When someone's words or actions have left you feeling disorientated and confused, you might describe the experience as leaving you reeling.
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| − | === Suffocation and lack of air ===
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| − | [[File:Andrew_T_Austin_metaphoric_illustration_of_a_person_being_smothered.png|400px|right]]“I feel suffocated by my mother,” “I'm choked up,” “I don't have room to breathe,” “I feel smothered.”
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| − | Some more examples:
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| − | ::'''"Suffocating under the weight of responsibility"''' - This phrase describes a situation where someone feels overwhelmed and burdened by the demands placed upon them, as if they are suffocating under the weight of responsibility.
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| − | ::'''"Choking on my words"''' - When someone is unable to express themselves, they might describe the feeling as being choked on their words.
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| − | ::'''"Gasping for air"''' - This idiom describes a situation where someone feels as if they are unable to breathe, as if they are gasping for air.
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| − | ::'''"Smothered by love"''' - When someone is showered with too much attention and affection, they might feel suffocated by love, as if they are being smothered.
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| − | ::'''"Trapped in a suffocating situation"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone feels trapped and unable to escape, as if they are suffocating.
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| − | ::'''"Suffocating in a toxic environment"''' - When someone is in a negative and toxic environment, they might describe the feeling as suffocating, as if they are unable to breathe.
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| − | ::'''"No room to breathe"''' - This idiom describes a situation where someone feels cramped and constricted, as if they have no room to breathe.
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| − | ::'''"Suffocated by rules and regulations"''' - When someone feels stifled and restricted by rules and regulations, they might describe the feeling as being suffocated.
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| − | ::'''"Choked by emotions"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone is overwhelmed by their emotions, as if they are being choked.
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| − | ::'''"Strangled by stress"''' - When someone is under a great deal of stress, they might describe the feeling as being strangled, as if they are being suffocated.
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| − | === Loss of blood or vitality ===
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| − | “I feel drained,” “He drains my life away,” “He sucks the life out of me.”
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| − | There are many idioms in the English language that describe the feeling of losing vital energy or resources in a relationship that is emotionally parasitic. Here are some examples:
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| − | ::'''"Drained of life"''' - When someone is emotionally exhausted and depleted, they might describe the feeling as being drained of life.
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| − | ::'''"Sucked dry"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone has taken so much from you emotionally that you feel as if you have been sucked dry.
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| − | ::'''"Emotional vampire"''' - When someone constantly drains your energy and resources, they might be referred to as an emotional vampire.
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| − | ::'''"Parasitic relationship"''' - This idiom describes a relationship where one person benefits at the expense of the other, often by draining them of emotional resources.
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| − | ::'''"Feeling sucked in"''' - When someone manipulates you emotionally, you might describe the feeling as being sucked in, as if you are being drained of your energy and vitality.
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| − | ::'''"Emotionally bankrupt"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone has taken so much from you emotionally that you feel as if you are bankrupt, with nothing left to give.
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| − | ::'''"Sapping my energy"''' - When someone constantly demands your attention and energy, you might describe the feeling as if they are sapping your energy away.
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| − | ::'''"Zapping my vitality"''' - This idiom describes a situation where someone is draining you of your emotional and physical vitality, leaving you feeling exhausted and depleted.
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| − | ::'''"Sucking the life out of me"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone is taking so much from you emotionally that you feel as if they are sucking the life out of you.
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| − | ::'''"Emotionally parasitic"''' - When someone is constantly taking from you emotionally, without giving anything in return, they might be described as emotionally parasitic.
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| − | == Living Death Metaphor ==
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| − | An additional and logical extension of "The Hurts" is that of "The Living Death" metaphor.
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| − | Common among PTSD patients, this occurs most commonly after a catastrophic loss or a dramatic change in personal circumstances.
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| − | [[File:Andrew_T-Austin_an_undead_person_trying_to_live_a_normal_life.png|400px|right]]"The Living Death" metaphor often reveals itself in statements such as: "My life ended that day," "I am as good as dead now," "I've never had a life of my own," "I am a ghost/shadow of my former self," or "My life is over."
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| − | There are many idioms in the English language that describe the feeling of losing one's sense of self or identity. Here are some more examples:
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| − | ::'''"A shell of my former self"''' - When someone has lost their sense of self, they might describe the feeling as if they are a shell of their former self.
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| − | ::'''"Dead inside"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone has lost their passion for life and feels as if they are dead inside.
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| − | ::'''"Dead man walking"''' - This phrase refers to a situation where someone feels as if they are just going through the motions of life, without any real purpose or meaning.
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| − | ::'''"Living a half-life"''' - When someone is not fully engaged in life, they might describe the feeling as if they are living a half-life.
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| − | ::'''"Empty inside"''' - This idiom describes a situation where someone feels as if they are emotionally empty, with nothing left to give.
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| − | ::'''"A shadow of my former self"''' - When someone has lost their sense of identity, they might describe the feeling as if they are a shadow of their former self.
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| − | Upon elicitation of the metaphor, imagery involving isolation from other people, burials, and/or coffins is most common. This contrasts with "The Hurts" metaphors, which nearly always involve other persons and/or personifications (objects turned into people) and/or anthropomorphications (people turned into other living entities).
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| − | Personification and anthropomorphication occurring in metaphor have a distinct taxonomy. They represent both the person or creature that is represented in the metaphor and an organisation of people with whom the client has the same relationship. This organisation of people can be varied; essentially, it is any group of people that the client perceives to be united by a central organising principle.
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| − | For example, in the metaphor, the client is standing on a path; before him stands his wife. This is both his wife and an organisation of people with whom he has the same relationship. (i.e., this man is married to his job).
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| − | Another example is the client, who in the metaphor is on a path being pursued by a terrifying monster.
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| − | Symbolically, this is both that monster and the people to whom he has that same relationship, who themselves are united by a central organising principle. For example, the man's three ex-wives.
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| − | == The First Observation About “The Hurts.” ==
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| − | When working with emotional injury metaphor, it quickly becomes clear that the presenting issue is that of specific aspects of interpersonal relationships.
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| − | However, over time, it became very clear that not all people represent The Hurts very commonly. In fact, it appears that only about 15–30% of the population have this metaphoric taxonomy as their primary bias for emotional representation. This minority of people experience The Hurts as their primary representation of emotion, and this is the detail that makes them stand out as different from the wider population.
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| − | It seems that there is an equal percentage of people for whom there is a total absence of any personal reference to "The Hurts" as a valid presentation of experience. Thus, this population group is often mystified by people who tell them that they have "hurt" their feelings.
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| − | == The Second Observation About “The Hurts.” ==
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| − | The only people who have darkness in their metaphors are those people with a particularly strong bias towards emotional injury metaphors. We'll be returning to this point shortly.
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| − | Personality and behavioural characteristics of “The Hurts” as a primary bias of emotional representation.
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| − | '''Typically, the person with this bias was regarded as "sensitive".'''
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| − | Often, being the only person in their household with this form of emotional representation, leading to a number of communication problems within the family unit. A situation can arise whereby the child is attempting to communicate their emotions, and without a personal internal referential point by which to understand what is communicated, other family members fail to hear the message. Thus, in order to be heard, often it is the child who will learn to amplify the message. This amplification may be misunderstood again and in turn, be diagnosed as a behavioural problem.
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| − | '''As children, these individuals are often sexually precocious and, as adults, have a higher sex drive than average.'''
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| − | As adults, they are destined to continually complain that their emotions and feelings remain without acknowledgment by their partner/s.
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| − | Being in the minority in terms of emotional representations, it can be challenging to form close emotional and fulfilling relationships with other people who do not possess the same personal reference points for such a kinaesthetic experience.
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| − | '''The bathroom cabinet is full of home remedies, such as dietary supplements, [and/or] healthy foods, [and/or] herbal/alternative remedies, and/or vitamins.'''
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| − | It can be difficult for this person to differentiate between what is an emotional event and what is a physical event. People with this bias feel emotional experiences very much in the body. These are the people who are physically very responsive to emotions and thus are prone to psychosomatic manifestations and "mysterious maladies" that often defy medical understandings and treatments.
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| − | '''They are much more emotional than their peers, often regarded as intense, moody, or brooding.'''
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| − | In reality, they experience a higher level of intensity of all emotions when compared to others without this bias. For example, when a person feels that they have been stabbed in the back and represents this metaphorically, at an emotional level this is a threat to their very life. It is attempted murder, and so at an emotional level, this is what is communicated. To others, of course, it may seem like an unwarranted overreaction. Another example is that of the man who "had his heart ripped out by his lover." On an emotional level, he died that day, and his life was over. So how does a man adapt to having his heart ripped out? Well, he might become a ghost of his former self, he might become heartless, he might become cold, or he might become all of these things.
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| − | Two people with this bias will tend to form a rapid, emotionally intense, and exciting friendship or relationship with a powerful experience of emotional recognition that often ends quickly with high emotional intensity. Two lovers with this bias will tend to draw each other into the "dark side" of their emotions, which are frequently moderated by alcohol, drugs, and activities of harm.
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| − | == Additional characteristics of this bias. ==
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| − | '''Their emotional state and welfare are significantly affected by the presence of other people.'''
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| − | ::Operates well in small groups (i.e., less than 6) or one-to-one but doesn't cope well with groups, parties, or social gatherings involving high levels of interaction.
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| − | '''Do not tend to find the company of other people to be restful, and their tolerance of other people’s company tends to have a time limit.'''
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| − | ::For example, they may be fine when having guests for dinner for the first hour, but after that, they start longing for everyone to leave. Thresholds tend to range from 45 to 90
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| − | '''Needs greater periods of solitude away from other people than is considered normal.'''
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| − | '''Not very good at maintaining contact with people.'''
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| − | '''Affected kinaesthetically by the behaviours of other people towards each other, even if not personally involved.'''
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| − | ::Is aware of things occurring inside relationships between people, even when the involved parties appear unaware of it themselves. As a result of this sensitivity and without the normalisation and validation of their emotional understandings that the more common emotional experiences receive, it is not unusual for such a person to start to consider explanations for their heightened awareness ranging from supernatural and psychic abilities through to common new age beliefs.
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| − | '''Tendency towards a strong sense of moral justice.'''
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| − | '''Replaying of minor micro-social events and behaviours (“I cannot believe I said that”) after social gatherings accompanied with high levels of self-recrimination.'''
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| − | Thus, people with this bias are prone to depression and loneliness, with regret being the primary
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| − | feature.
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| − | '''When ill-dignified, tendency towards abuse and pleasure of the body and are at a greater risk from alcohol and drug use, anorexia/bulimia, deliberate self-harm (such as cutting), creative suicide fantasy, promiscuity.'''
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| − | ::The intense bodily emotions often extend into a heightened sex drive, which may result in promiscuity and obsessive masturbation, which may lack any enjoyment aspect but occurs merely as a release of physical and psychic tension. Rarely, the reverse of this may occur with a displacement of the obsessive element into a more overtly phobic manifestation.
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| − | ::Many of these behaviours that are “of the body” develop merely as a way of managing emotional state and welfare. Thus, alcohol and drugs may be used medicinally as a way of being
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| − | able to socialise and meet social expectations, especially when younger (16–30 years of age). It has been observed that young self-harmers tend to come from households where they are the only person with a reference to emotional injury and, as such, have an awareness that no one else "understands" their emotions, despite protests to the contrary from the other members of the household who may mistake "listening" for "understanding."
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| − | '''Tendency to somatisation of emotion (i.e., "mystery"/non-medical physical problems such as stress rash, stomach ache, general annoyances such as aches and pains, stiff neck).'''
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| − | ::What is of interest here is that, frequently, the causation of such ailments is externalised to an agent that is anything other than self. For example, specific toxins may be blamed in the absence of supportive evidence, such as leakages from gas pipes or central heating, exposure to fumes or electromagnetic frequencies, contaminants in foods, "bad energies,” workplace odours, and so on.
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| − | '''Tendency towards mystical leanings and self-explorations, exploring different states of self and ways of being.'''
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| − | '''Experiences of synaesthesia are especially common in this population.'''
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| − | ::For example, hearing the sounds of cannons firing when viewing a painting of an artillery battle. Other synaesthesia (visual to auditory overlap) windscreen wipers and people waving. Visual to auditory seems to be the most common, whilst other synaesthesia such as taste to colour tend to be less frequent. Additionally, Stendhal syndrome is almost certainly exclusive to this population group.
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| − | '''Sometimes people with this bias will experience kinaesthetics (“feelings”) external to the body which may lead to beliefs and experiences around “healing,” auras, experiencing the “hidden world” (occult), and the mystical.'''
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| − | '''Common negative roles adopted as attempts at positive adaptation.'''
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| − | ::With strong emotions expressed in the body and heightened sensitivity, this person will find social interaction difficult and may be considered socially anxious, shy, or even aloof and arrogant. There is an irony in that, with their heightened social awareness and sensitivity, individuals with this bias are excellent observers of human interactions and social politics but are the least able to cope with them.
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| − | ::Ignorance would be bliss in this context, if only the personal cost of such ignorance wasn't so intense.
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| − | ----
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| − | === Two classic adaptations emerge: ===
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| | [[File:Andrew_T_Austin_The_Melancholic_Mystic.png|300px|right]] | | [[File:Andrew_T_Austin_The_Melancholic_Mystic.png|300px|right]] |
| − | ::'''The Heartsick Hermit''' (prone to loneliness, withdraws from society, introspective rumination, negative self-analysis, masturbates a lot).
| + | Austin uses figures such as the "Heartsick Hermit" and the "Melancholic Mystic" to explore themes of withdrawal, loneliness and the search for meaning. These are interpretive characterisations within his account. They are not diagnostic classifications, and resemblance to an image does not establish a person's history or needs. |
| − | ::''' The Melancholic Mystic''' (easily depressed, adopts esoteric interests, explores the darkness inside themselves, obsesses on "healing" and personal development, and is prone to romantic sexual phantasy).
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| − | Of course, it has probably been noted that so far, only the negatives of "The Hurts" have been described. Not everyone with this primary bias will have a negative experience, and there are plenty of examples of positive adaptation, depending on one's personal point of view. This can be seen in lifestyles that are very much "of the body" and various stereotypes exist, such as:
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| − | * The lifestyle body builder who carefully controls his diet, is an expert in nutrition and supplementation.
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| − | * The tattoo and body art obsessive whose quest for tattoos is never complete.
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| − | * The new age healer complete with herbal remedies of the old ways, physical treatments involving things such as laying on of hands, acupuncture, cupping, etc.
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| − | There are, of course, corollary positive manifestations of emotions within this taxonomic group of metaphors. These are bodily emotions expressed as sensations.
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| − | ::“You make my heart sing.”
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| − | ::“My heart is racing.”
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| − | ::“My head is buzzing.”
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| − | ::“I'm all of a tingle.”
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| − | ::“I'm all of a glow.”
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| − | ::“I am all warm inside.”
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| − | ::“Takes my breath away.”
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| − | ::“Breathtaking.”
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| − | ::“Gives me goosebumps.”
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| − | ::“Shutting down responsivity.”
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| − | However, it is commonly reported that, as a coping strategy, it is easier to shut down physiological emotions than to have to deal with the consequences of the absence of social normalisation and emotional validation of experience. It is observed that it is not possible to shut down specific emotions, instead, all emotions are shut down. The mechanisms for achieving this may involve the assumption of an identity role that is out of character with the person's true nature, and/or self-medication and sedation with alcohol and other substances, the assumption of certain attitudes that suggest, "I don't care," "nothing really matters" and reflects a certain nihilistic quality, and the
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| − | adoption of excessive "mindless" activities such as watching hours of television, internet surfing, and armchair politics.
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| − | A certain characteristic may emerge in such scenarios where the person appears to assume a social dominance in that they give a minimal emotional response to other people - i.e., they are not easily moved by others, they lack emotional responsiveness - but simultaneously lack the social skills that accompany socially skilled and dominant people. As a result, they may appear "cold," "aloof," or "emotionally distant" when around other people yet appear to be excellent observers of other people's emotions owing to their heightened sense of the emotional conduct of other people.
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| − | A consequence of this for some people appears to be the manifestation of what has been termed "The Mysterious Malady" - a debilitating physiological manifestation that primarily affects the person's quality of life. The symptoms will be very real, but the diagnosis and explanation for the symptoms may be questionable, and the sufferer may need to turn to "new age" or fringe medical diagnostic criteria in order to find a fitting metaphor to explain their condition.
| |
| − | | |
| − | These symptoms can last for many years and force the sufferer to change their lifestyle, prompting them to embark on a personal quest to find an explanation and a cure.
| |
| − | These symptoms also have the effect of legitimising the social withdrawal and/or enabling the ready discovery, location, and association of others who are similar to self (i.e., through support groups, new age retreats, training events, and treatment programs). | |
| − | | |
| − | == Darkness in their metaphors. ==
| |
| − | Using the Metaphors of Movement (MoM) interview structure with such individuals, it has been repeatedly observed that these are the clients who present "darkness" in their metaphorical structure; they are very much "in the dark."
| |
| − | | |
| − | Those working with the MoM interview structure will be familiar with the paradox of closed container metaphor where there is no darkness, despite there being no obvious source of light. With individuals with "The Hurts" bias, darkness will be inevitable. Other manifestations of the darkness can take the form of:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::It is like I am standing in the countryside. It extends up to the hills in all directions. It is dark to my right, and I cannot see very far.
| |
| − | ::It is like I am walking on a pavement, a cloud follows me above my head, I am in the dark.
| |
| − | ::I am standing on a stage under a spotlight. I cannot see what is around me, everything is black.
| |
| − | | |
| − | And so on.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Being “dim” and “in the dark.” ===
| |
| − | An observation of clients with The Hurts bias is that an adaptation strategy to a world that doesn't quite connect with them emotionally is that it is easier to be dim. Basically, being stupid is easier. As expert observers of other people's conduct, they will inevitably have learned how ungrateful these other people are when the observations are voiced out loud and that such vocalisations are frequently met with a denial. It is not unusual for people with this bias to be able to observe behaviours in others
| |
| − | of which these others are themselves entirely unaware.
| |
| − | | |
| − | For a child to possess this ability in a family where the same ability is not shared can be very challenging indeed. There is a dichotomy between having the strongest emotional response to other family members’ behaviours and the simultaneous denial from these family members that these behaviours even exist. Thus, the potential for adolescent rage, derealisation/dissociation, neurosis, and psychosis is very high indeed.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Often, the child is punished, or more commonly, is "dis-rewarded" for their correct observations and interpretations of the social landscape. For being correct, they are frequently told that they are wrong, erroneous, too sensitive, have been reading too many weird books or watching too many TV shows, think too much, are too smart for their own good, have gotten too big for their boots, and so on.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The problem arises that the child will just as often be incorrect as well, but the feedback will be exactly the same. Thus, knowing what is real and unreal can become quite challenging when there is a lack of differential feedback from others. So learning to trust one's own judgment can be hugely problematic. Combine this with the emotional intensity with which this person experiences things, and being genuinely wrong is likely to be emotionally catastrophic for the individual. Possibly, this is the source of the pattern of regret that is so common to people with The Hurts bias.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Suffering one's way to enlightenment. ===
| |
| − | It is at this point that I need to diverge from the subject at hand for the moment to look at some spiritual traditions that appear to have a great relevance with The Hurts. Throughout the stories of antiquity and modern-day Hollywood blockbusters, there are a number of recurring themes, many of which have been so brilliantly outlined by Campbell in his Hero's Journey work. There is no need to repeat his work here, other than to point out that:
| |
| − | | |
| − | A genuine guru or spiritual leader must have suffered in order to be genuine. He must have transcended his suffering without negative reflection, without resentment, without the need for revenge. He must be full of love for others, and his own needs are put to one side as he offers his guidance, the wisdom of which was achieved through suffering. He is balanced by his strong sense of justice.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The Dalai Lama lost his country, Nelson Mandela lost his freedom, Jesus Christ and plenty of other gurus from the Christian tradition lost their lives, and so many Hollywood movie heroes have lost their wives in horrible circumstances (especially movie cops on their last day trying to retire), so many movie lone heroes have lost their reputation to the conspiracy as they try to reveal the truth, and so on.
| |
| − | ----
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Intentional physical suffering has been a tool used by initiates and spiritual seekers throughout the ages. ===
| |
| − | For example:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Amongst Christians''', there is an old tradition of self-flagellation, or the mortification of the flesh, which is still practised in many parts of the world, particularly amongst Catholics. In an imitation of the flagellation of Christ prior to his crucifixion, devotees flagellate themselves during prayers.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''More dramatic is the flagellation with sharp objects amongst the Shi'a Muslims during the "Day of Ashura,”''' sometimes requiring corrective medical treatment.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Many spiritual and religious traditions have a form of starvation or temporary denial of food.'''
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Cilice, or "hairshirts,"''' uncomfortable undergarments designed to create discomfort and pain. They are common to many religions in various forms.
| |
| − | | |
| − | In addition to displaying penitence to the initiated, such activities tend to be extremely effective in creating an altered state of consciousness, which may be ideally suited to spiritual practices.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Our sufferers of "The Hurts" come ready-made with physical sufferings expressed in their emotional
| |
| − | make-up. For example, they have been:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::“broken hearted.”
| |
| − | ::“stabbed in the back.”
| |
| − | ::“devastated.”
| |
| − | ::“crushed.”
| |
| − | ::“had their guts ripped out.”
| |
| − | ::“given a roasting”
| |
| − | ::“skinned alive”
| |
| − | ::“destroyed”
| |
| − | | |
| − | And so on. As can be noted, all emotions of this type require another person or persons to administer them. This is how we can say that the physical injury metaphor, the hurts, are about relationships. It's probably also worth mentioning here that they also form "schemas" - i.e., recurring themes in the person's life.
| |
| − | | |
| − | No wonder so many people with "The Hurts" bias choose to withdraw either physically, emotionally, intellectually, sexually, or psychologically.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ----
| |
| − | | |
| − | == Withdrawing one's way to enlightenment ==
| |
| − | Withdrawal from normal life also has a very long history. The monastic lifestyle is ideally suited to those who wish to avoid the difficulties of human social interaction in order to dedicate their time to spiritual practice. In varying forms, monasticism is known in almost every spiritual and religious tradition, whether it is 40 days and nights in the desert, 3 days in the belly of a whale, 6 months in the company of Abramelin, or 49 days and nights sat under the Bodi tree.
| |
| − | | |
| − | But it ought to be noted that monasticism is significantly different from hiding.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Monasticism has transcendence.'''
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''''Hiding has escapism and distraction. Or maybe a just huge helping of brooding and moping.'''''
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Modern examples ===
| |
| − | Imagine how different it would have been if upon his release from jail, Nelson Mandela had vowed revenge on those who had wronged him and his people. Or if Terry Waite had said, “I'm gonna get those fuckers!” referring to the people who kept him chained to a radiator for far too many years.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Not the easiest position to adopt, that is for sure. Buddha got it right when he declared that "life sucks, get used to it" - OK, I'm paraphrasing a little.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::Jesus said it, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
| |
| − | ::Jonah said it, "In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead, I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
| |
| − | | |
| − | But there is a problem...
| |
| − | | |
| − | The issue of "enlightenment" - it is so easy to get it wrong.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Let me show you. There are so many references to “light” = “wisdom,” such as:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::We can talk about people being "illuminated."
| |
| − | ::"Seeing the light."
| |
| − | ::Saul on his way to Damascus, getting blinded by the light of God, becoming "Paul."
| |
| − | ::Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
| |
| − | | |
| − | Common modern idiomatic variations based on these stories:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::"''Shining a light on the subject''."
| |
| − | ::"''Seeing someone in a new light''."
| |
| − | ::"''Leading light''."
| |
| − | ::''"The light at the end of the tunnel."''
| |
| − | ::"''The light of my life''."
| |
| − | ::"''It is as clear as day''."
| |
| − | | |
| − | The problem is that the light is invariably an external light source. It comes from elsewhere; from someone else, something else, or God, or some variation thereof. There's a degree of passivity that is implicit here; if the person prays enough, believes enough, suffers enough, then the light may be granted to them...but it may not. It all depends on the will of something or someone else.
| |
| − | | |
| − | There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, of course, but remember, our 'Sufferers of The Hurt' haven't exactly found other people to be particularly useful in this respect.
| |
| − | Most commonly, it seems that the illumination is supposed to be granted to them by something other than themselves.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Although Buddha wasn't so sure about that, for which we can be most grateful. He said, "The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart." Remember this sentence when you read about the chakras later on, and everything goes all whacky-woo.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Here are some additional idioms related to light that reflect wisdom:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Shedding light on something''' - To provide clarity and understanding on a particular subject or issue.
| |
| − | ::Example: The expert's report shed new light on the causes of the company's financial troubles.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Light at the end of the tunnel''' - The hope or possibility of a positive outcome or resolution after a difficult situation or challenge.
| |
| − | ::Example: Despite the setbacks, the team sees the light at the end of the tunnel and remains optimistic about their project.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''All sunshine and rainbows''' - A phrase used to describe an overly optimistic or unrealistic outlook on a situation, ignoring potential difficulties or challenges.
| |
| − | ::Example: She thinks that starting her own business will be all sunshine and rainbows, but in reality, it will require a lot of hard work and dedication.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''A ray of hope''' - A small glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak or difficult situation.
| |
| − | ::Example: The news of a potential breakthrough in medical research is a ray of hope for those suffering from the disease.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Light touch''' - To handle something delicately or with care.
| |
| − | ::Example: The artist's light touch when painting delicate subjects is what sets her work apart.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Light-hearted''' - Describing something that is amusing, fun or not serious.
| |
| − | ::Example: We had a light-hearted conversation over dinner and forgot about our worries for a while.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''A light in the darkness''' - Something or someone that provides hope or comfort during a difficult time.
| |
| − | ::Example: Her best friend was a light in the darkness during her battle with cancer.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Keep a light burning''' - To maintain hope or optimism in difficult times.
| |
| − | ::Example: Despite facing setbacks, she kept a light burning and remained focused on her goals.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''A flash of inspiration''' - A sudden and brilliant idea or insight.
| |
| − | ::Example: The writer had a flash of inspiration while walking in the park and rushed home to write it down.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Light of my life''' - A phrase used to express deep affection or love for someone.
| |
| − | ::Example: My daughter is the light of my life and I would do anything for her.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''See the light of day''' - To become known or visible after being hidden or secret.
| |
| − | ::Example: After months of working on the project, the team's efforts finally saw the light of day with the successful launch.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Lighten up'''(??) - To relax and take things less seriously.
| |
| − | ::Example: He needs to lighten up and enjoy life more instead of worrying about everything.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Light years ahead''' - To be far ahead of something in terms of progress or innovation.
| |
| − | ::Example: The new technology is light years ahead of its competitors and has completely revolutionised the industry.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ----
| |
| − | === Meanwhile, the lack of light is generally the spiritual equivalent of being a bit thick. ===
| |
| − | For example:
| |
| − | | |
| − | :::“Being a bit dim.”
| |
| − | :::“Being in the dark.”
| |
| − | :::“Being unenlightened.”
| |
| − | :::“Kept in the dark.”
| |
| − | :::“Not very bright.”
| |
| − | | |
| − | Here are some additional idioms related to darkness or dimness that are opposite to the ones related to light:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''A dim bulb''' - A person who is not very intelligent or lacks common sense.
| |
| − | ::Example: The new recruit seemed like a dim bulb and struggled to understand basic tasks.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''In the shadows''' - To be hidden or unnoticed, especially in a negative or suspicious way.
| |
| − | ::Example: The company's unethical practices remained in the shadows until an investigation was conducted.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''In the dark ages''' - To be outdated or behind the times, especially in terms of technology or progress.
| |
| − | ::Example: Their manufacturing process was still in the dark ages and needed to be updated to remain competitive.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Fumbling in the dark''' - To be unsure or uncertain about what to do or how to proceed.
| |
| − | ::Example: Without clear instructions, the team was fumbling in the dark and struggling to complete the project.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''A dim view''' - To have a negative or pessimistic opinion about something.
| |
| − | ::Example: The CEO took a dim view of the company's financial performance and called for urgent changes.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''Cast a shadow over''' - To bring a negative or gloomy influence over something.
| |
| − | ::Example: The scandal cast a shadow over the company's reputation and affected its sales.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::'''In a dark place''' - To be going through a difficult or troubled time emotionally or mentally.
| |
| − | ::Example: After the loss of her father, she was in a dark place and struggled to cope with her grief.
| |
| − | | |
| − | == "They Know Not What They Do" ==
| |
| − | Throughout the Christian world, seekers of the light were persecuted if they deviated from the orthodox and prescribed methods (i.e., devotion to the Church and its teachings), and many enlightened people met an early demise at the hands of the self-appointed custodians of truth. Now, think about it, how many people like Giordano Bruno (early astronomer, amongst other things), does one need to witness getting burnt alive as punishment for their enlightenments before one decides going along with the nonsense might be a better idea? They were dark times indeed.
| |
| − | | |
| − | These heretics were often those people who were able to see where others were blind. They were passionate, they were intense, they could not compromise their values, they lived in a world of idiots. Sound familiar?
| |
| − | | |
| − | How many times does a clever child need to witness the bright kid getting bullied before he learns to be less bright himself and starts lurking in the metaphoric shadows?
| |
| − | How many times does the person need to shine a light on things and get punished or dis-rewarded for it before they learn to stop shining the light?
| |
| − | | |
| − | So is there any hope? Was Buddha right?
| |
| − | | |
| − | Actually, there may be a long-established allegory that may be of use for our purposes here. It's that of The Hermit. As an archetypal image, Crowley's Thoth tarot card, "The Hermit," is best suited for our purposes here.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ----
| |
| − | | |
| − | === The Hermit ===
| |
| − | A man, whose face is partially hidden, carries a lamp. It is no ordinary lamp because inside there is no candle but rather the sun. The hermit is withdrawn from worldly affairs and yet offers the light of his lamp as guidance to others to assist them on their own journey.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ''He is a guiding light.''
| |
| − | | |
| − | [[File:Hermit-thoth-tarot-aleister-crowley.jpeg|400px|right]]The card symbolises a special form of creativity; it is the pure essence of creativity that permeates through all things. Wheat is shown; a wand in the form of a spermatozoa, an egg entwined by a serpent.
| |
| − | | |
| − | It invokes the creative spark:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::“''This is where creativity is spawned''.”
| |
| − | ::“''Ideas germinate''.”
| |
| − | ::“''There is fertile ground''.”
| |
| − | ::“''Ideas burst forth into being''.”
| |
| − | ::“''Seeds are sown''.”
| |
| − | ::“''An idea is born.''”
| |
| − | | |
| − | The card is associated with the Hebrew letter Yod, which is a hand, and in the card, only the left hand is shown, which carries the lamp of light. But this hand is not that of Onan, but rather that which holds the light of creation. The seeker would do well to study fertility rites in all their forms and maybe watch the original movie version of "''The Wicker Man''."
| |
| − | | |
| − | You might want to find that dusty old bible too and reread Genesis and consider the following:
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::"''And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins'';" '''Genesis 35:11'''
| |
| − | | |
| − | At the Hermit's feet is the Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the underworld. This creature has been tamed by the Hermit, permitting his guidance to extend into the lowest regions. The seeker may wish to consider how exactly one may tame the guardian of the nether regions and which of the lower forces need to be mastered first.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::''“Out of the darkness and into the light.”''
| |
| − | ::''“Lighting a candle in the darkness.”''
| |
| − | ::''“Emerging into the light.”''
| |
| − | ::''“Exploring the darkness within.”''
| |
| − | ::''“The darkest recesses of the mind/soul.”''
| |
| − | ::''“Ideas never seeing the light of day.”''
| |
| − | ::''“I've been kept in the dark for so long.”''
| |
| − | ::''“Long dark night of the soul.”''
| |
| − | ::''“The darkest hour before dawn.”''
| |
| − | | |
| − | So what?
| |
| − | | |
| − | Well, our lonely sufferer of "The Hurts" may continue to wait for others to understand and provide illumination, but he or she may be waiting for a very long time. Our lonely sufferer here is the one who can see where others are blind but invariably has learned to be a bit dim, to stifle his or her own creativity.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::''So, it is undoubtedly time to lighten up.''
| |
| − | ::''It is time to be that bright and shining star aligned to its own true orbit.''
| |
| − | ::''And it is time to be the source of illumination for oneself, to shine a light in one's own darkness.''
| |
| − | ::''"It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."''
| |
| − | | |
| − | It is time to be enlightened physically, intellectually, emotionally, and sexually. Such enlightenment may not necessarily come from others, so it is important to enlighten oneself. Most successful people succeed not because of their school education, but in spite of it.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The Hermit has his face hidden, he does not seek fame or glory; his individuality is irrelevant. His legacy is that "light" which is sent forth into the world. He does not need others to see him, but instead provides light so that others may see.
| |
| | | | |
| − | === Other things to consider. ===
| + | The distinction between metaphor and bodily symptom is also important. The NHS explains that persistent physical symptoms can be real and disabling even when their cause has not been identified. A metaphor should not be used to decide that such symptoms are imagined or have a particular psychological cause. See [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medically-unexplained-symptoms/ the NHS account of medically unexplained symptoms]. |
| − | Closely associated with The Hermit allegory is the "spiritual attainment" of the beatific vision. Dating back to time immemorial, the beatific vision is aligned with illumination, with the sun, with the divine in physical form. Here are two descriptions of the beatific vision:
| |
| | | | |
| − | :::“''I was also granted what mystics describe as "the Beatific Vision" which is the most characteristic of those attributed to Tiphereth, the archetypal idea of beauty and harmony. In this vision, one retains one's normal consciousness, but every impression of daily life is as enchanting and exquisite as an ode of Keats. The incidents of life become a harmonious unity; one is lost in a rosy dream of romantic happiness. One may compare it to the effect produced by wine on some people. There is, however, no unreality in the vision. One is not blinded to the facts of existence. It is simply that the normal incoherence and discrepancy between them has been harmonized''.” '''Aleister Crowley'''
| + | == Positive bodily expressions == |
| | + | The same bodily vocabulary also describes pleasure, affection, excitement and relief: |
| | | | |
| − | :::“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
| + | * "You make my heart sing." |
| − | :::And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
| + | * "I feel warm inside." |
| − | :::Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
| + | * "My heart is racing." |
| − | :::And Eternity in an hour.” '''William Blake.'''
| + | * "It gives me goosebumps." |
| | + | * "It takes my breath away." |
| | + | * "A weight has lifted." |
| | | | |
| − | The beatific vision is associated with the heart chakra, which is most commonly associated with healing and love. | + | An expression such as "my heart is racing" can occur in very different contexts. The bodily image alone does not determine whether the experience is welcome or distressing. |
| | | | |
| − | The general advice to sufferers of The Hurts bias is to shine; to shine brightly from their heart chakra; to possess a warm glow in their heart. To be warm-hearted; To be more light-hearted. | + | == Light, darkness and understanding == |
| | + | Austin connects The Hurts with imagery of darkness, visibility and illumination. As a cultural comparison, this sits alongside familiar expressions that link seeing with understanding: |
| | | | |
| − | It is also worth knowing that just below there is the "solar plexus", also known as the Manipura Chakra in Eastern practise, and is commonly associated with identity, i.e., being your true self. It is worth mentioning what is written about the Manipura Chakra: "Decisions that are based only upon the Manipura Chakra, the so-called "gut-feelings", are often intuitively correct, but can be distorted by strong emotions and therefore be "irrational". And judgements based only on intellect lack complete and integrated vision."
| + | * '''In the dark:''' lacking information about something. |
| | + | * '''Kept in the dark:''' not being given relevant information. |
| | + | * '''Shed light on a subject:''' make something easier to understand. |
| | + | * '''See someone in a new light:''' come to understand them differently. |
| | + | * '''A ray of hope:''' a small sign of a possible improvement. |
| | + | * '''A guiding light:''' a person or principle that offers direction. |
| | | | |
| − | Compare this with Stendhal Syndrome, something which is likely to get you locked up in the nuthouse if you tell too many people about it:
| + | The distinctions matter. Being "in the dark" does not mean being unintelligent, and darkness in a description does not establish a particular personality or condition. "Light-hearted" concerns mood, while a "light touch" concerns manner or degree; not every use of ''light'' refers to illumination. |
| | | | |
| − | :::“'''I was in a sort of ecstasy, from the idea of being in Florence, close to the great men whose tombs I had seen. Absorbed in the contemplation of sublime beauty... I reached the point where one encounters celestial sensations... Everything spoke so vividly to my soul. Ah, if I could only forget. I had palpitations of the heart, what in Berlin they call 'nerves.' Life was drained from me. I walked with the fear of falling.” '''Marie-Henri Beyle (“Stendhal”) Naples and Florence: A Journey from Milan to Reggio.'''
| + | == Suffering, withdrawal and spiritual interpretation == |
| | + | Stories and religious traditions often connect difficulty, withdrawal and a changed understanding of life. The meanings of those connections differ between traditions. They do not show that suffering inevitably produces wisdom or that someone must suffer to become a spiritual teacher. |
| | | | |
| − | :::“Subject visited many churches in Florence. Was attracted in Uffizi Museum to rooms filled with sacred art - lives of the saints, the Crucifixion, Madonna, and child. Began to hallucinate after a few days. Imagined she saw angels and could hear them sing. Became convinced she was the reincarnation of a nun buried in a town in Umbria. Could not remember the town's name but was sure she could get there if left alone.” '''Psychiatric report of Stendhal Syndrome casualty.''' | + | For example, the Buddhist [https://suttacentral.net/sn56.11/en/sujato Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11)] rejects self-mortification as one of two extremes and presents a middle way. This is different from a general endorsement of deliberately creating pain as a route to awakening. |
| | | | |
| − | We don't roast people on bonfires so much these days for such devilry, but Thorazine is certainly most effective at ridding oneself of the curse of visions. We don't burn the devil out of people anymore; we merely medicate them back into conformity.
| + | Christian imagery provides another context. In [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A12&version=KJV John 8:12], Jesus describes himself as "the light of the world". The theological meaning of that passage belongs to its religious setting. Its use here illustrates a cultural connection between light and guidance, rather than a medical claim about emotion. |
| | | | |
| − | == Summary ==
| + | Solitude also has more than one meaning. It can be chosen for reflection, imposed by circumstances or experienced as loneliness. A monastic life and unwanted social isolation should not be treated as the same situation merely because both can involve being apart from others. |
| − | The challenges faced by people with "The Hurts" bias are nothing new. The experience is typically that of isolation and or disconnection, physical suffering and suppressed emotional intellect. The emotional experience is frequently misunderstood by others, and in order to fit in, the individual often learns to live contrary to their true nature.
| |
| | | | |
| − | Connection with similarly orientated persons may not always be helpful, as proof of the old expression "misery loves company" is usually manifested. The sense that the person has that they are different to most people is undoubtedly correct, and it appears that there have existed sub-communities of people through the ages who have recognised this and evolved methods for transcending the difficulties presented by this difference. However, it is also
| + | === The Hermit as an artistic comparison === |
| − | noted that history has not necessarily been kind to these people, and suppression and persecution have been common.
| + | [[File:Hermit-thoth-tarot-aleister-crowley.jpeg|400px|right]] |
| | + | Austin draws on the Hermit in Aleister Crowley's Thoth tarot as an image of withdrawal combined with offering light. In Crowley's own description, the figure holds a lamp with the sun at its centre. This provides an artistic comparison with being a "guiding light" or bringing an idea into view. See [https://hermetic.com/crowley/book-of-thoth/atu Crowley's ''The Book of Thoth'', section IX, The Hermit]. |
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| − | Whilst many of the esoteric practises are considered "fringe" and "alternative" by the modern mainstream majority, and possibly always have been, they exist because for a minority of the populace they reveal a literal truth via their metaphor for how to manage physiologically experienced emotions and how these may be developed in a healthy and beneficial manner.
| + | The image can be discussed alongside expressions such as "ideas germinate", "a creative spark" and "an idea seeing the light of day". These draw on different physical experiences to describe creativity. They do not establish the effectiveness of an intervention or require the reader to adopt the card's occult correspondences. |
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| − | It is possible, if not probable, that the minority of people who possess physiologically represented emotions such as "The Hurts" are in fact those bright people from amongst whom spiritually enlightened individuals emerge. The most important step such a person can take towards this is to first lighten up and to learn to get to grips with their creativity so that it may flow forth without suppression.
| + | == Reading the examples == |
| | + | The value of these examples is in the distinctions they make available: injury is different from depletion; solitude is different from exclusion; a source of light is different from the ability to see. The person's words and the context remain central. Literary and spiritual parallels can enrich a reading without becoming fixed translations of someone else's experience. |
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| − | '''TL; DR (''Too long; didn't read'')'''
| + | == Related pages == |
| − | ''A quick summary for those who didn't want to read the whole thing: Some people experience emotions differently from other people; their emotions cause them a lot of hurt. They get lonely. They can utilise this suffering and loneliness to become enlightened and spiritual leaders of mankind.''
| + | * [[Metaphors of Emotion]] |
| | + | * [[Idiomatic, Literal and Figurative Communication]] |
| | + | * [[Embodied Cognition]] |
| | + | * [[People]] |
| | + | * [[Pressure, Compression and Explosion]] |
| | + | * [[The Hero's Journey]] |
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