Oh that Oprah!

So this morning over breakfast consisting of a bagel and apple cider (really, what was I thinking with the cider??...gurgle.....), I found myself sucked into the wonder that is www.oprah.com. What a fascinating site! There were so many articles I found interesting.

Here is one sample....

EMOTIONAL STYLES

Abandonment
The ongoing fear that people will leave is at the root of this emotional style. These people may fear that if they rock the boat in the smallest way, the ones they love will leave. Or, they may adapt by running away from a relationship before they can be hurt.

If this emotional style applies to you, it's important to learn that you won't fall apart if someone leaves you. Be aware of the fear that any kind of abandonment stirs up — hypersensitivity to separation, dread of being isolated. Mindfulness can help track this emotional style and prevent it from ruling your life.


Entitlement
People with this emotional style feel that rules don't apply to them. They may have been spoiled as a child, or the love they received was based on a certain quality — looks, academics, athletic skills. These people often exaggerate their prowess, usually to hide a feeling of inadequacy, or feel they are entitled to more than their fair share of compensation. They also display a lack of self-discipline, and the inability to delay gratification.

If your emotional style is entitlement, try to be aware of the negative impact your actions have on the people around you. Mindfulness can help you learn to catch yourself before you overstep appropriate limits, and connect with your deeper feelings so you can deal with them directly.


Perfectionism
People with this emotional style unrelentingly hold themselves to the highest standards. No matter how well they do, it's never good enough, so they drive themselves until the rest of their life suffers. This emotional style drives people to push themselves in sports, at school, in physical appearance, or for social status.

If this emotional style applies to you, realize that lowering your standards will be a relief. You will have time and energy to have your other needs met, including the need for downtime. Being mindful will help you examine and challenge the self-criticism.


Subjugation
This emotional style revolves around the feeling that your own needs never take priority in an intimate relationship. These people give in easily, but their hidden resentment can smolder into anger and rage. Some will overreact at the least sign of being controlled, while others are unable to make even a simple commitment.

If this describes you, get in touch with your resentment, so that you can begin to assert your wishes and needs effectively. Being mindful will help you track your automatic reactions — the anger or thoughts that are primed by the fear that you will be controlled.


Deprivation
At the heart of this emotional style is the belief, "My needs won't be met." No matter how much is given to people of this style, it never feels like enough. Some people overindulge in an attempt to nurture themselves, while others become the caretaker they never had, and may gravitate to careers in which they help others, like social work or nursing.

If your emotional style is deprivation, examine how your need to be nurtured affects your relationships. You should become aware of a tendency to distort your interpretation of the actions of others. People might enjoy your company without wanting anything more. Mindfulness will help you begin to communicate your needs more clearly, and to seek more emotionally available partners.


Exclusion
Finding yourself on the outside of things often leads to this emotional style. The perceived message is, "You're not like us." This feeling typically causes a person to stay on the edge of the action, reinforcing the feeling of exclusion. This may lead avoidance of groups in adulthood, or conversely, cause someone to revel in their outcast role.

If you feel excluded, learn to feel and challenge your fears by making efforts to initiate conversations, and learning to master your anxiety. Mindfulness will help you step back from thoughts that make you uncomfortable.


Mistrust
Suspiciousness and a quick temper are typical of this emotional style. Often the mistrust stems from having been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused. People of this style tend to gravitate to relationships in which their worst fears are confirmed, getting involved with people who treat them badly.

If this describes you, you may want to work with a therapist specializing in clients who have been abused. Treatment may involve revisiting your memories and expressing your anger, which is an essential emotional step. Mindfulness can help you become aware of your tendency to assume betrayal, and help you challenge those thoughts.


Failure
A typical feeling in this emotional style is being deficient despite one's accomplishments. This can lead people to push themselves extremely hard, despite the constant fear of failure. Some fall prey to the imposter phenomenon — you succeed, but secretly feel you're a fraud and will be found out. Others discover that believing they will fail becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you see yourself in this emotional style, learn to more accurately assess your talents and abilities, as well as accept that your accomplishments are truly deserved. Being mindful will help you identify and challenge your internal negative thoughts.


Unlovability
The automatic assumption that "I'm not lovable" typifies this emotional style. Shame and humiliation, along with a feeling of being flawed, are this style's prominent emotions. Two patterns are seen in people who feel unlovable. Some give in to their deep feeling of unworthiness, while others hide behind arrogance, seeking public recognition and adulation.

People with this emotional style may find it hard to be genuine in a relationship. One thing you can do is challenge the thoughts that amplify your flaws. Mindfulness will help you learn to feel confident that those close to you know and love you as you are, and you will begin to heal.


Vulnerability
The key element of this emotional style is an exaggerated fear that something terrible is about to happen. This can lead to thriftiness to the point of denying yourself pleasure, or embracing some health fad to ward of disease. At its extreme, it takes the form of a phobia, like fear of flying. Some people react by constantly seeking reassurance, while others overcompensate by taking risks.

People with this emotional style can win emotional freedom by mindfully monitoring their thoughts, rather than letting them dictate their behavior. Meditation can also help calm your mind


Interesting.....

Peace,

Des