Trail 2: From Shame to Joy
A trail map from ignorance of basic goodness to complete knowing of it. It names the symptoms of shame and the inner critic, the key of discipline in its true sense of inviting what helps us thrive, practices like metta, basic goodness meditation and noticing what we make things mean about ourselves, and outcomes of self-worth, joy, dignity and belonging.
Also called:
- From ignorance of to complete knowing of Basic Goodness.
Symptoms:
- Shame
- Self-hatred
- Internal voices of anger and attack (inner critic)
- feeling like an outsider
- no / low self-esteem
- imposter syndrome
Key to travel the path: Discipline: the true meaning - inviting that which helps us thrive (steadiness, devotion)
Important practices for traveling the path:
- Silent Meditation - seeing obstacles
- Metta
- Basic goodness meditation
- Notice practice: Thought: “What am I making this to mean about myself” + somatic noticing
- Looking in mirror
- Focus Wheel
Typical obstacles:
- Strong beliefs in inner critic
- Shame spirals
- Perfectionism
- Giving up
- Addictions
- Avoidance strategies
- Resistance to faith
Outcomes:
- Self-worth
- Expansive Confidence
- Joy
- Dignity
- Belonging - at home, in communities, wherever we are
To learn more, follow these links to related content:
Along
Practice
Our Basic GoodnessKnowing about your basic goodness won't carry you out of shame. Tasting it will. Come practice letting your thoughts stop defining you, and find what's been good all along.
Fundamental Shamatha PracticeSilent meditation is where you start seeing your obstacles instead of avoiding them. Come sit, and let whatever shows up be seen — gently, without the inner critic's verdict.
Metta for This Human BodyThe inner critic has had plenty of airtime. Metta opens your heart instead — to this human body we all share, and from there toward others, even the ones you find difficult.
What’s next
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Practice