Openness: How Experiential Avoidance Closes us to More Expansive Life Experiences and Learning

Leigh Hearl had a secret. A secret which filled her with guilt and shame… A secret, which nearly killed her. As we’ll soon find out - speaking her truth not only liberated her from this guilt and shame — It saved her life.

You see, Leigh was living with the burden of discovering her husband had been living a hidden double life. As she clung to his secret, her husband becoming emotionally abusive.Riddled with the guilt and shame - it devastated Leigh. Leaving her feeling hopeless and immobilized. In an effort to numb herself and block her painful suffering - she shut out the world, closing the doors where others might have learned of her story and offered her compassion and loving support.

Society often tells us, learn to bite your tongue - to repress what it is we feel inside. And Sometimes, as we shut out the world - important stories go untold.  Some people are silenced by laws- while others wish to protect the privacy of the ones they love. Upon closer examination there are those who, when faced with the unyielding burden of harboring a secret-  cannot bear the pressure and judgement of public life. For many, an echo of their own fear, doubt or shame silences them.

As a result, we often withhold secrets which inhibit each of us from much needed healing. Even the tiniest of ‘white lies’ often keeping us from fully connecting with others; leaving gapping holes in our relationships. Our most important stories often untold as a result of the impact of secrecy.

The greatest lie - incidentally being the ones we frequently tell ourselves. Through her touching story and unique life experiences, Leigh Hearl is changing how we view the simple art of ’truth-telling’. In our segment, Leigh and I discussed the role harboring secrets plays in our lives - a fact none of us are immune from experiencing.

We find out how on The Light inside.