Page 43 - Your Leader Within Introduction

I have learned that, for me, fear of intimacy seems to be at the center of my need to escape, unhealthy addictions. I suspect it is at the core of most addictions.
The fear of getting hurt or rejected, the fear of not being enough, the fear of facing life at a deep and vulnerable level, or the narcissism that comes from a deep wounding from the past are all walls to intimacy.
My vision for connectedness is to use intuition to be present with another person or situation. Know when to listen and when to talk. Be able to go within and feel another’s pain with empathy and compassion when that is appropriate.
See the truth in a situation that might bring anger or hurt to the surface, and in seeing that truth, to be able to respond in ways to strengthen the relationship rather than diminish it or build walls.
If there is a life practice that will enable us to face every part of ourselves and our relationships with others, it is to look deeply into another’s eyes ideally for a prolonged period (30 minutes).
All kinds of fears may surface, but If we stay with it, the resulting intimacy can be phenomenal.
53