Member-only story
The Power Behind Negative Emotions
Leaning into the darkness
“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.” -Mary Oliver
I’ll be honest with you: I’ve never really been comfortable embracing negative emotions. It’s hard for me to sit with my own darkness, not to mention other people’s.
Our culture supports this viewpoint. We’re encouraged to banish negativity, put on a happy face, and push aside our anger, sorrow, anxiety, and depression.
We’re bombarded with techniques and strategies to eliminate darker emotions and let in the light. Positivity is seen as a strength and negativity as a weakness.
Of course, it’s not this simple. Human beings come with a vast spectrum of emotions. Negative feelings are inevitable and a necessity — and I daresay, a welcome part of the human experience.
Some of the richest, most beautiful parts of our lives are contained within the shadows. The darkness of life can be a fundamental and significant, albeit painful, catalyst for change and growth.
