When you read the definition of guilt ‘the fact of having committed a specified or implied offense or crime’ OXFORD you would assume that guilt feelings would only belong to those who have done something ‘wrong’… But in my experience, the feelings of guilt come up frequently and most often for my clients when they are succeeding… Interestingly, it often becomes the primary limiting factor for them transcending their current success set point.
They feel guilty because they are achieving their dreams and goals….
WHY?
In my opinion, it’s a highly effective emotional tool for the ego to keep us contained within the comfortable identity we have cultivated over time (even if it’s now become uncomfortable) AND we’ve learned to use it in such a way from our environment.
Guilt has been weaponized for generations to keep people contained within the doctrine of the system for example religion has done a great job at preaching guilt to keep people believing – if they became individuated then would they need to go to church.. and what would that mean for the business of the church (you can see where I’m headed with this).
As a fan of Jung’s work, I like to see what he thought of guilt – in summary, he expresses the very internal nature of this feeling;
“In each of us, there is a pitiless judge who makes us feel guilty even if we are not conscious of having done anything wrong.”
He appreciates the value it plays in our growth;
“The wise man learns only from his guilt. He will ask himself: who am I that all this should happen to me? To find the answer to this fateful question he will look to his own heart.”
And he speaks of how its surprising and seemingly unnecessary arrival can also alert us to our shadow and the parts of ourselves that have been repressed or denied.
“If nevertheless you are tormented by guilt feelings, then consider for once what sins you have not committed which you would like to.”
So it’s useful to come to understand and play with the feeling of guilt!
“When we are conscious of our guilt we are in a more favorable position – we can at least hope to change and improve ourselves.”
Your guilt can be your guide to the version of reality you are believing BUT are also wanting to free yourself from (eg a loveless relationship, poverty or financial struggle, difficult work environment, illness, working too hard) and it can be the guide to your limiting beliefs OR aspects of yourself you are denied and deprived and are perhaps bubbling up for attention.
When I have guilt feelings I find it helpful to have a conversation with them – ask them what they are here to teach me or show me and what purpose are they serving. What is their benefit and also what are they trying to keep me safe from that I might want?
We have learned to become afraid of some feelings- but they are just feelings and, as Jung has pointed out – are a fabulous resource to know ourselves better so we may #evolve should we choose.
If you’d like support to clear and get to know your guilt feelings a little better I have done an energy reading and healing on Guilt Feelings which you can find HERE and I encourage you to make the most of the other free energy reading and healings on my youtube channel, book in a personalized energy reading and healing or join me for a fortnightly session and an incredibly supportive group of women who are all agents for change in whyldwomen.com OR reach out hello@rebelblack.com to explore in what other ways I can support you! You can read more about other work I do at www.therwcollection.com
