I don't think that living with my uncomfortable feelings is that foreign to me. I am not afraid of them, but I think I do tend to suppress them for periods of time, maybe because I learned long ago to do that. But I am incapable of suppressing them forever.
It's not just a question of letting the uncomfortable feelings out and then reaching for them with a plastic-gloved and and holding your nose with the other before disposing of them as quickly as possible (like cleaning up dog poop), but and here is where the analogy breaks down! treating the uncomfortable feelings like little orphan children who have been living under the garage, feeling unwelcome, starving, and needing attention. There is NOTHING in you that is inherently destructive. Every part of you supports your life. (That is why I told LS that she is NOT "broken.") These feelings have something for you. That article talked about going through fear to find the joy. IMHO working on this with your C and/or journaling are good ways of making friends with these feelings.
Type 4's usually love this delving in the meaning of things type of activity: where in your body do you feel the discomfort? What is it like? Being locked in a closet? Being on stage with no clothes on? In the principal's office waiting for a scolding? etc. This is the stuff of art, my dear. This is where painting, poetry, music, dance, sculpture, novels come from-- just this sort of exploration.
The things you are feeling are universal, not just on this board, but all over the world and throughout human history. This is a journey countless others have taken and are taking right now.
Climb up to the mountain top for a minute and get a global perspective... you have nothing to feel embarrassed about or devalued about... you're searching for your joy, and that is a worthy task to spend a lifetime on. K?
