Listening To Shame

“Listening to Shame” by Brené Brown

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word “shame”?  According to Brene Brown, a  research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, “shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior”.  Shame, which is different from guilt, is fueled by secrecy, silence and judgement and is highly associated with depression, addiction, violence, aggression, etc…  In addition, shame prevents us from being able to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections, which further inhibits us from cultivating courage, compassion, connection, creativity and ultimately making change.

To learn more about how shame, which seems to be so deeply engrained in today’s society, affects our mental state, relationships and how we function in society, please watch this fascinating TED talk by Brené Brown. 

More on shame and guilt in parenthood- The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto.