Why isn't it OK to be emotional in our society? Let me tell you about a couple of recent experiences that gave me food for thought. Emotions. Expressing emotions is so difficult. Embarrassing. Uncomfortable. Why?
Anger... well anger is complex and can be scary... but what about fear, apprehension, shock?
It's ok to feel strong emotions while meeting a baby, smelling a rose, or eating a cookie. That is fine.
The other day, I exclaimed in fear because of an earthquake while I was on a call. The other person quickly got off the call and it left me feeling embarrassed. I mean, it wasn't a small earthquake... 5 point something. Should I have kept my mouth shut? Did I just lose an opportunity because of an earthquake?
Why does the startled person feel embarrassed? Why does the other person seem to be uncomfortable with the outburst? Why are we not comfortable expressing in our society?
Another time, a giant bug landed on me. Normally I am not afraid of bugs but I did have a bad bite recently. Also, it was dusk and the bug was half the size of my hand. I exclaimed in surprise and yes, fear. I didn't cry or run off. I exclaimed and stood up, I shook the bug off and sat back down. Startled, I exclaimed loudly. Everyone at the table seemed uncomfortable... No one at the table asked me if I was ok. Why?
Our job as humans is to care. Wouldn't we naturally want to elevate the other humans? If someone is scared, for any reason, why not reach out a supporting hand? (Yes, even if it is only their imagination.) Just a couple of words, a small gesture, can bring you so much closer to your own humanity.
An earthquake? why not ask: are you feeling ok? Was it scary? Do you want to talk later? Don't worry, I can relate. It can be so scary when the weather is unpredictable. I can relate.
A bug or even a phantom startles a person? Why not express care? why pretend it is embarrassing to be startled? Wow, that was a big one. You ok? I get it, I probably would have jumped too if something that big landed on me.
------
What happened to our society ? Why has expressing the 'soft' side has become unacceptable or even offensive? Does it even make sense to pretend that you are not scared, startled or shocked. Why would you need to?
Let's remember our humanity people.
No comments:
Post a Comment