34. Humiliation
The "Humiliation" card represents the painful experience of being subjected to public embarrassment, shame, or ridicule during childhood. The image captures a vulnerable girl with her head down, surrounded by a group of students crouching towards her. This card serves as a reminder of the emotional wounds caused by such experiences and the importance of healing and reclaiming our self-worth.
This card invites you to acknowledge and address the lingering effects of childhood humiliation. It is natural to carry the weight of these painful memories, but it is time to release the shame and reclaim your inner strength. Remember, the actions of others do not define your worth or potential.
To begin healing from humiliation, it's important to recognize and accept your feelings as valid. Don't dismiss or invalidate your emotions, but instead acknowledge that it's okay to feel hurt and upset. Remember that it's normal to experience these emotions and allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling without judgment.
Practice self-compassion by speaking kindly to yourself as you would to a friend. Remind yourself that it's okay to struggle and that you deserve kindness.
Challenge your negative thought patterns. This means questioning any thoughts that are overly harsh or critical of yourself. For example, if you're thinking, "I'm a total failure", you can challenge that thought by asking, "Is it really true that I'm a total failure, or is that just my negative thoughts talking?"
The next step is to concentrate on the present moment. Sometimes, when we experience humiliation, our thoughts can get stuck in either the past or the future. We may replay a past event that caused us humiliation or fret about the future and how others will perceive us. Therefore, paying attention to the present can help us feel more centered and relaxed. You can achieve this by observing your surroundings, such as the sounds, scents, and visuals in your surroundings. (try the 5-4-3-2-1 method below).
Prioritizing self-care is crucial. Take a bath, spend time outside, write in a journal, or talk to a friend. These practices benefit both your mind and body and help you work through your emotions.
The final step is to create new experiences. This means engaging in activities that are fun, enjoyable, or meaningful to you. It could be anything from taking a class to trying a new hobby. The idea is to create positive experiences that help you feel good about yourself and make new memories. Try to step out of your comfort zone!
Affirmations:
“I choose to let go of the opinions and judgments of others. My self-worth is not determined by anyone but myself.”
“I embrace my unique qualities and celebrate my individuality. I am deserving of respect and validation.”
“I forgive those who have humiliated me in the past, not for their sake but for my own healing and growth.”
“I am resilient and capable of transforming my past experiences into sources of strength and wisdom.”
“I release the shame and embarrassment associated with childhood humiliation. I am worthy of love and acceptance just as I am.”
Journal Prompts:
-Reflect on a specific incident of childhood humiliation that still affects you. How did it make you feel? How has it impacted your self-esteem and relationships?
-Write a letter to your younger self, offering words of comfort, support, and encouragement in the face of humiliation. What advice would you give?
-Explore any patterns or triggers that remind you of the feelings associated with humiliation. How do these patterns affect your present life? How can you break free from them?
-Imagine a future where you have fully healed from the wounds of humiliation. How would your life be different? What steps can you take to move towards that vision?
-Make a list of your unique qualities, talents, and strengths. How can you embrace and celebrate these aspects of yourself, even in the face of potential judgment or criticism?
Remember, journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, healing, and growth. Use these prompts as a starting point, and allow yourself the freedom to explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and supportive space.
Grounding Technique:
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a simple but effective grounding technique. To do it, you'll take note of:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
As you notice each of these things, focus on the details. For example, if you're looking at a tree, notice the color of the leaves, the shape of the branches, and so on. Really try to ground yourself in the present moment.