Exiles are like those monsters we imagine lurking under the bed when we were kids. Remember lying in bed, hearing strange noises, and seeing shadows move in the dark? We hid under the covers, terrified of what might be out there.
In our adult lives, these “monsters” are actually our "exiles," the parts of us holding onto old emotional trauma. We shoved these feelings aside because they were too overwhelming to face back then. We might have thought we’d left them behind, but they’re still there, quietly and heroically holding on to that old pain.
When these buried feelings start to surface, they can make us feel intense emotions or react in ways that seem out of the blue. The Managers and Firefighters inside us try to keep these “exiles” hidden, using various strategies to avoid letting that old pain come to light.
Understanding these "exiles" helps us see why certain emotional struggles feel so intense. By connecting with our true self, we can gently explore and address these hidden wounds. When we face them with compassion, we can start to heal the trauma they've been holding, leading to a more balanced and peaceful emotional life.
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