Unconsciousness: The Fear of Facing Our Emotions

Choosing unconsciousness isn’t about making a deliberate decision to check out of life; rather, it’s a reaction to fear. Fear of facing our shadows, our emotions, and the emotional weight of others’ feelings. It’s easier to numb ourselves – to escape the pain – than it is to confront what’s going on beneath the surface.

We see this manifest in depression, where a person acts as if they are dead – not in a literal sense, but figuratively. They go through life without engaging fully, avoiding their pain by shutting down. It’s not about choosing to be depressed, but rather about avoiding the emotional storm that comes with truly being present. For some, it’s the only escape.

For those who have experienced trauma – especially in childhood – the urge to “leave” is sometimes the only way to cope. When a person is in constant emotional turmoil, whether from abuse, neglect, or deep sadness, dissociation can become a survival tactic. A client shared a poignant story about how, as a young girl, she would retreat into her imagination, creating entire novels in her mind as a way to escape the painful reality of her home life. Her imagination provided a safe space, a temporary reprieve from the emotional chaos around her.

The Link Between Unconsciousness and Creativity

Interestingly, many artists and creative individuals are born from this very process of escape. While some use creativity as a healthy outlet for their emotions, others fall into a pattern of using their art as a form of detachment from reality. The key difference is intention – when creativity becomes an escape from confronting painful truths, it may not serve us in the long run.

This shift from creative expression to emotional avoidance is a symptom of a larger issue. People today seem to have less space for creativity, fewer opportunities to immerse themselves in activities that allow them to process their emotions in healthy ways. The constant bombardment of social media, work pressures, and digital distractions has left little room for quiet reflection or artistic outlets. Instead of painting, journaling, or dancing to work through internal struggles, many people today choose to numb themselves through instant gratification – scrolling, gaming, or just staying disconnected.

The Power of Being Present: How We Process Emotions

In the past, even in the midst of financial hardship or life’s daily stresses, people still found time to create, to be present, and to engage in activities that connected them to their deeper selves. Whether it was painting, writing, or simply daydreaming, these activities allowed people to process their emotions, channel their creativity, and release the tension stored in their bodies. Now, with the rise of digital distractions, we seem to be losing the ability to tap into these resources.

Reflecting on my own experiences growing up, I remember how writing and drawing became my refuge. Journaling wasn’t just an activity; it was a form of emotional release, a way to make sense of what was happening in my life. Many teenagers I knew did the same. Today, however, I notice a decline in those practices – fewer young people are reading, writing, or engaging in creative forms of self-expression. Instead, many turn to social media or other quick fixes, which often only perpetuate the cycle of numbness.

The Impact of Social Media on Our Creativity

It’s not just that social media takes up time; it also steals our attention and fragments our creativity. The constant switching between apps and the overload of information have a detrimental effect on our mental and emotional health. Social media has become a space where people can numb themselves even further, losing touch with their true selves in the process. The pressure to keep up, the constant comparison, and the overstimulation contribute to a growing sense of unconsciousness.

But it’s not just social media that’s to blame. The larger issue lies in how we’ve started to numb ourselves in many areas of life. We choose unconsciousness because it feels easier. It’s safer to hide from pain than to face it head-on.

Creating a New Reality: Awareness and Action

For many, the key to breaking free from this cycle is awareness. Recognizing when we are choosing unconsciousness – whether through social media, overwork, or numbing behaviors – is the first step. But it’s not enough to just be aware. We must also make a conscious choice to shift the way we engage with the world.

For example, one person shared how they used to enjoy painting as a way to express themselves but found that the emotional energy they were working through became stagnant. The act of painting was no longer a way to release emotions; it became a way to keep them trapped. After realizing this, they decided to stop painting, but they didn’t give up on creativity entirely. Instead, they became more physically active, choosing to move through their emotions rather than stagnate them.

Another practice that helps bring people back to consciousness is decluttering. One individual shared how they instinctively clean and organize their space when they feel mentally or emotionally overwhelmed. They realized that their environment was a reflection of their inner state – a cluttered home mirrored a cluttered mind. In cleaning and organizing their space, they were also creating room for mental and emotional clarity.

The Role of Rituals and Household Practices

Many ancient cultures had rituals that were designed to help people stay present and conscious in their daily lives. Simple acts like washing your hands before entering the house, cleaning your feet, or ensuring that water didn’t stagnate in the home weren’t just practical; they were symbolic ways of ensuring that people remained grounded and mindful of their surroundings. These rituals helped create a conscious environment that supported emotional and mental well-being.

When a house is cluttered or there’s a leak in the tap, it’s not just a sign of disorganization; it can also indicate emotional unrest. Water, for example, is a symbol of emotions. A leaking tap might be a subtle reminder that there are unresolved emotional issues within the household that need attention. Similarly, the state of our environment often mirrors our internal state. If we can recognize these signs and take action to restore balance, we can start to heal and come back to a place of presence.

Relearning Consciousness in Today’s World

The most important takeaway from all of this is that consciousness is not something we can passively wait for; it’s something we must actively cultivate. Whether through creative expression, household rituals, or simply staying present in our bodies, there are countless ways to stay conscious. The more we choose to engage with life instead of numb ourselves, the more we can process our emotions and build a reality that supports our well-being.

For many of us, becoming conscious means unlearning the ways we’ve been taught to disconnect. It’s about becoming aware of the unconscious patterns that govern our lives and actively choosing to break free from them. And while this journey isn’t always easy, the rewards of being present – both emotionally and physically – are worth the effort.

If you’re struggling to stay present, start by paying attention to the signs around you. Look at your environment, your habits, and the ways you cope with stress. Are you choosing unconsciousness or are you making an active decision to confront your emotions and experiences? No matter how overwhelming life may feel, there is always a path back to consciousness – a path that requires patience, self-compassion, and the willingness to engage with life, no matter how messy or complicated it may be.

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