While character disturbance is widepread, it occurs along spectra of both type and degree. Not every empathy-impaired person is a psychopath. And not all folks with narcissistic traits and tendencies are the same. Getting the right information and finding the right help can be a real challenge.
Shame can be certainly be a bad thing. And some shame is truly toxic. But in our days of rampant character dysfunction, shamelessness is a much bigger problem than too much shame. The most disturbed characters among us are the most shameless.
Narcissism, in its varied and often subtle forms, is so prevalent, it can go unnoticed. And we can even give it a pass or enable it. That is, of course, until the worst manifestations of it drag us to unbearable depths.
This year has been a challenging one in many ways. But it’s brought us unparrelelled opportunities for learning important lessons, especially the importance of character.
The ultimate tragedy of our times is that decent, naturally luminous people get snatched from the light within them by disturbed characters and have a hard time finding their way back.
If ever there were a time for the loving energy within us to shine, it’s now. But that takes courage and determination. And most of all, it takes faith.