The Latest Writings from Eva Malia

If you have an exceptionally painful time meeting new people, attending parties, talking in a big group, or going on a date with someone you like, you are not alone. Social fears are one of the three most common mental health difficulties in the United States.

When we sit in meditation, we begin to observe the patterns of thought and motifs which run in our minds automatically, and which account for much of the way we feel and react. As we breathe in and out during meditation, we attempt to observe thoughts entering our mind, and leaving our mind, letting go of them gently.

Are pain and suffering detrimental to us? Should we strive to avoid it or escape it every time?

Finding a positive response to negative feelings may not be an easy task, specially when the default reaction to pain is one of rejection and resistance. As someone said once to me, “I can only sit with my pain at a bar, drinking bourbon.”.

It’s not easy to say you need something, even when that something has to do with your own happiness and well-being. And it’s also a sign of strength and courage to want to go beyond your own personal limitations through reaching out for support and growth.