Staying with emotions

In today’s world, we’re often quick to escape from our emotions, especially the painful ones. We’re surrounded by distractions and coping mechanisms, from constant scrolling on our phones to indulging in shopping, food, or substances. It’s as if we’re conditioned to avoid pain at all costs. But this wasn’t always the case. In the past, there was more acceptance and respect for those going through suffering. Take widows, for example—communities allowed them the space to grieve for as long as they needed. People gathered around them, offering support without pushing them to "move on" too quickly.

Now, we tend to gloss over discomfort—our own and others’. But the truth is, real growth and healing often happen when we allow ourselves to sit with our emotions, without rushing away from them. When we avoid pain, we don’t just dodge discomfort; we miss out on the chance to grow, to empathize, to build resilience. Imagine a world where we could hold space for each other’s struggles, just as communities once did. Perhaps we’d find a deeper connection with ourselves and those around us, leading to a more compassionate, grounded way of living.