“It’s Time to Claim Your Freedom” by Eugene Holden

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to share with you the thoughts, feelings, and guidance the Universe has shown me. What is true for me is that I have to live what has been given me from the Upper Room, the higher consciousness if you will, before I can share it. with others. Otherwise, it’s just empty talk.

To that end, I want to discuss with you guilt versus shame. This came up because I felt guilty about doing something that may not have been in the best interests of those concerned. What I came to realize is that guilt and shame are not necessarily the same thing. Somewhere along the line, we lumped the two together. They are similar but not the same. Yes, I was guilty of saying what I said, but do I need to feel ashamed of what I said? Hmm. Interesting perspective. So, let’s take a look at guilt and shame.

In the realm of personal growth and spirituality, understanding our emotions is paramount. Two emotions that often surface in our inner journey are guilt and shame. In this writing, we will explore the distinction between these complex emotions, drawing insights from both a practical and spiritual perspective.

Defining Guilt

Guilt, in its essence, is an emotional response triggered by actions or behaviors that we may perceive as wrong or harmful. It’s that inner voice that can say, I “did” something bad. It often stems from a sense of responsibility for our actions, whether they were intentional or not. (Note: We are always responsible for our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Just sayin’.) From a spiritual standpoint, guilt can be seen as a call to examine our actions and their alignment with our values. How we look at it is our choice.

 Defining Shame

Shame, on the other hand, runs deeper. It’s not just about what we do, but who we think and feel we are. Shame can make us feel inherently flawed or unworthy. It’s that sinking feeling that says I “am” bad. While guilt can motivate positive change, shame often leads to self-destructive behaviors and isolation. However, shame can be viewed as a profound lesson in self-acceptance and healing, if we choose to use it in that way.

More on the Differences between the Two

If we are to claim or freedom, it is essential to distinguish between guilt and shame. Again, guilt pertains to actions and behaviors while shame attacks our core identity. Guilt can lead to constructive actions, prompting us to make amends or change our behavior. In contrast, shame can be paralyzing, hindering our personal growth. Recognizing these differences is vital for our spiritual evolution.

Let’s take a deeper look at guilt. Remember, guilt pertains to our actions and behaviors. For example, if we drive cars, we are guilty of driving our cars, right? I am guilty of writing this blog. This is the action that I’m taking at this time. When we get clear on the fact that being guilty of something means accepting the action we’ve taken, we put ourselves in a position not to feel ashamed of the action taken. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that we should not feel a sense of remorse or apologetic for behaving in inappropriate ways. What I am saying, though, is that we are to recognize the behavior and actions that we’ve taken, and if we need to make amends for said behavior, by all means, let’s do that. We don’t need to feel ashamed of the actions that we’ve taken. I’m not talking about those who commit heinous acts of violence. I am talking about looking at ourselves and being clear on how we think, talk, and treat ourselves. When we choose to feel shame, we are choosing to feel flawed in some way for what we’ve done or said. Or even for what we’ve not done or not said. It all comes down to choice.

The Consequences of Shame

Unresolved shame can weigh heavily on our minds and bodies, leading to stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can have adverse effects on the body-temple. They can affect the heart and lead to headaches. Unresolved shame can be like carrying a backpack filled with stones wherever we go. Shame, with its deep-rooted impact on self-worth, can breed self-sabotage and limit our potential. Feeling shameful keeps us stuck in the past, keeps us stuck in feeling sorry for ourselves. From a spiritual perspective, this emotion can create negative energy patterns that affect our character and spiritual well-being.

 Dealing and Healing

To deal with both guilt and shame, we can practice self-forgiveness and take action to make amends. When dealing with shame in particular, healing begins with self-compassion and acceptance. Engaging in the practices of meditation, mindfulness, or energy work can help release the burdens of shame. These practices can also cleanse our aura and promote spiritual growth.

Forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, is crucial to our freedom and creativity. When we choose not to forgive ourselves or others, we stop growing. We keep ourselves from shining the light that we came here to shine. It keeps us from being the magnificent humans that we were created to be.

Embracing Self- Acceptance

Ultimately, the journey to healing involves embracing self-acceptance. We must recognize that our mistakes or past actions do not define us. Through self-love and self-compassion, we can release the shackles of shame. Our spiritual practices, whatever they are for you, reminds us that we are all on our own unique paths, and these emotions, guilt, and shame, can be opportunities for growth and transformation.

Conclusion

Remember, you are a remarkable, divine human being, here to touch lives in your own remarkable way. In the complex tapestry of our emotions, guilt and shame are threads that weave through our lives. By understanding the differences between them, we gain insight into our inner world. Remember, my Beloveds, these emotions are not to be feared but explored. Don’t resist them, embrace them. They definitely hold valuable lessons on our journey toward self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them guide you towards a brighter and more fulfilling life. A brighter and more fulfilling you.

All of this is a matter of choice. With this great and powerful gift of choice, let us choose to be free by forgiving ourselves and our fellow human beings. Choose to take responsibility for the actions taken. Choose to be free by letting go of the potentially debilitating energy of shame. Choose to be the joy of Life. Why? Because the planet needs you.

Peace and Abundant Blessings,

Eugene