"Heightened Neurosis"

[As I research for a paper... I find this description of my current experience. I hope it helps my friends understand better my experience.]

(paraphrased)

In the process of developing emotional tolerance and coming to a more de-centered relationship with emotions, there can be a disturbance, or a worsening of distress.

Chodron (2001) describes the feelings distress and dread as an indication that the old patterns are loosening. As one gives up old ways of coping and looks more closely at disturbing emotions and habits, one begins to understand their hold, how they play out, and theirroots.

This process brings a period of increased distress that Buddhist have long acknowledged and called "heightened neurosis."

Studies of those who have experienced dramatic and positive life changes suggest that there is a similar period of disturbance before these types of transitions.

As with trauma work, it is essential that the client have the resources to tolerate this difficult process.

The most disturbing and feared view of self, which most often involves themes of defectiveness, undesirability, worthlessness, and failure.