We need safe spaces for authentic expression

Lately I have thought a lot about, that there is a lack of safe spaces, where we can authentically express how we truly feel. Share our struggles and be real with one another. It seems like there's an increasing societal expectation to always appear happy. Pretending everything is fine, when in truth it isn’t. As a consequence many of us feel more lonely than ever.

Fake positivity produces loneliness and isolation.

Often we feel like ‘we are the only one, who’s going through a tough time’, while everyone else seems to have their amazing lives constantly displayed on Facebook & Co.

Another possibility might be, that we did dare to share, how we really felt with the wrong person and got the following shaming message as a response:

‘You need to free yourself of your victim mindset.’

I am sure that disparaging comment can do it for someone sensitive, to never share something real about themselves again in the near future. Instead this person might now run around with a plastered, fake smile on their face constantly. So, that no one assumes there could be possibly something wrong with them.

Even though expressing authentically our emotions, makes us actually feel more empowered!

In some spiritual circles for example, sharing the whole human experience; from happy to sad to angry, from success to failure etc. doesn’t seem to be of value anymore.

‘You’re not vibrating high enough. Or possibly you’re not evolved enough.’

If we are not allowed to be ourselves fully anymore, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly.  we don’t feel seen. As a consequence we feel a big disconnect not only with ourselves, but also with others.

We lose soul!

The danger is, that we feel isolated even within our closest relationships. Either because we fear being judged or because we don't know who we can trust anymore to share our struggles with.

That’s why it is crucial to create more safe spaces for authentic expression!

We need to have somewhere, where we can share our true feelings, our struggles without the fear of judgment. Everyone of us needs at least one trustworthy person in our lives, who can simply hold space for us. Without immediately telling us what’s wrong with us or dishing out unasked advice immediately.

I personally have found, that there are few people left, who are able to just exactly do that. Usually they are individuals, who are  comfortable with their own range of emotions and can empathize with ours.

I remember writing a story years ago titled "Cloud Number Nine and the professional Shitholders," which explored the idea that fewer people are willing to deal with their own emotions as well as the emotions of others.

We need to challenge the notion that emotions are a negative thing or a sign of weakness. In reality, embracing all of our feelings enables personal growth.

If you do feel alone and are in need for a safe space, where you can express yourself authentically, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. You are always welcome to book a free 30 min life coaching session to see whether we are a good fit.

I will never judge your feelings or the struggles you’re going through. I know very well myself what it feels like to be judged, when expressing emotions. As a life coach it is very important to me to make the other person feel seen fully within what they are going through.

Finally do you have some ideas, how safe spaces for authentic self expression could look like in a group setting? Please leave me a comment and let me know.
I would be happy in taking this a bit further and provide more of such safe spaces for authentic expression in the future.