My Catharsis (Confronting the Enemy)

A catharsis is a form of emotional cleansing. According to psychodynamic theory, this emotional release is linked to a need to release unconscious conflicts. For example, experiencing stress over a work-related or social situations may cause feelings of frustration and tension. Rather than vent these feelings appropriately, I had chose instead to release these feelings in other ways such as cessation from the people who love me most, introversion and assumed anonymity culminating in a periods of self-doubt.

"Catharsis" was first used by Aristotle the Greek philosopher in his work 'Poetic'...

"Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; ... being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper catharsis of these emotions." 335 BCE

It was most recently the new buzz word during Hillary Clinton's Presidential Primary campaign defeat. Used as a term to express what her supporters felt they needed a "catharsis" (caused by the tragedy of a Black Democratic Presidential Nominee, the fear associated with her future, also how to cultivate humility without losing power and the magnitude of these emotions). Only then could come the former First Lady's full-throated support of  Senator Obama (now President-elect Barak Obama).

It is now my MLC (mid-life crisis) dichotomy. The battle within myself to which has been won through a surrender to myself (the better of myself, the victor of the battle; but not the war).

" We have met the enemy..." said Pogo "...he is us!" I have to learn to love him even though he can be hard to love. He is me and I am.

There have been casualties along the way (and for that I have deep regret) I have hurt only the ones that love me and no one that could care less; but a catharsis is emotional and purifying and only those who seek it get clarity... I shall press on.

 

to be continued...