with psychological problems. That in turn can help to remove
whatever blockages you might have that are preventing mental
and emotional clarity. You learn to relate tothe content of the
mind instead of fromit, which allows a whole new dimension
of participation in life itself. You learn about the mind’s games
and projections so you can let go of them. Problems are mind-
made and do not survive when you are fully aware in the pres-
ence of the moment. Your life opens up to more peacefulness,
light, inner freedom, and creativity.
Sometimes it is not possible to deeply understand and
immediately let go right away of your emotional reaction.
Often it can take a long period of practicing before you under-
stand your mind’s games. In the meantime watching a movie
with conscious awareness helps you learn to tolerate undesired
emotions in a safe environment. During such practice you no
longer need to suppress your feelings. Likewise, you no longer
need to act them out in destructive ways against yourself or
others. In the safety of an illusory movie experience, you
slowly develop a strength that will be very valuable later on
when the same emotion is triggered in your real life. Think of
it in the same sense as practicing a martial art or training your
muscles in a gym so that you are strong enough when you have
to defend yourself physically in the world.
I call this psychological strengthening process creating a
“larger inner container” for your undesired emotions so that
you can hold them consciously. The more you learn to be able
to tolerate unwanted feelings while watching a movie, the less
you feel compelled to suppress them or act out against yourself
or others in your real life. Instead, you become strong enough
to not resist them. And the more you practice, the more confi-
dent you will be.
Such practice allows you to stay centered and clear despite
a rising unwanted emotion such as anger or frustration. You do
not need to yell at anybody or drink alcohol to “drown your
feelings.” If you just feel your undesired emotions consciously
without suppressing them or acting them out, they will either“You can’t heal what you
can’t feel.
John Bradshaw44 E-Motion Picture Magic