Welcome,
This blog post offers a glimpse into the deep and transformative work we’ll be doing together in our upcoming three-day online retreat, Sitting with Shame. Over the course of these three days, we will explore the emotions, patterns, and stories that shape our relationship with shame.
3-Day Retreat Layout
Day 1: Understanding Shame: We’ll explore how shame has influenced our lives and identities, laying the foundation for deep healing. (Recording)
Day 2: Releasing the Hold of Shame: This day focuses on untangling the threads of shame and meeting the part of you that doesn't feel enough. (Live and Recorded Gathering)
Day 3: Reclaiming Worth: We’ll work on healing the wounds caused by shame and reclaiming the inherent worth that has always been ours. (Recording)
Tools used: Somatic experiencing, guided meditation, yin yoga, journaling, breathwork, story medicine.
This retreat is free or donation-based—a space for reflection, growth, and connection. Join us here to sign up and receive the full experience.
The Difference Between Shame and Guilt
Understanding the distinction between shame and guilt is essential on this journey. While guilt arises when we believe we’ve done something wrong—a specific action that we regret—shame goes deeper. Shame is the belief that we are inherently wrong, flawed, or unworthy.
Imagine you miss an important deadline at work. Guilt might say, “I made a mistake, and I need to make it right.” It’s specific and actionable. But shame transforms the narrative into, “I’m a failure. I’ll never be good enough.” It’s pervasive, often distorting our sense of self-worth and leaving us feeling disconnected and undeserving.
Shame and Childhood
Shame often takes root in childhood yet it can arise anywhere along your life experience.
From the moment we are born, we absorb messages from our environment. Caregivers, societal norms, schools, and communities all contribute to shaping our beliefs.
As children, we interpret our caregivers’ actions through the lens of survival. A parent’s frustration might be internalized as, “I am bad,” rather than, “They are having a hard day.” Repeated experiences of criticism, neglect, or rejection reinforce the idea that parts of us are unacceptable.
Societal expectations only deepen this conditioning. Messages like "Be a good girl," "Don’t cry," or "you’re too sensitive" teach us to suppress our true selves to fit in. Over time, shame becomes a silent, persistent force, shaping how we see ourselves and navigate the world.
How Shame Affects Our Lives
When shame remains unchecked, it manifests in various ways:
Perfectionism: Constantly striving to be “enough” but never feeling satisfied.
People-pleasing: Seeking validation from others at the expense of our own needs.
Self-sabotage: Avoiding opportunities or relationships due to a fear of failure or rejection.
Disconnection: Struggling to form deep, authentic connections with others.
Shame can also have profound physical effects, such as chronic tension, fatigue, or illness, as the body absorbs and reflects unresolved emotional pain.
Why It’s Our Responsibility to Shed False Beliefs
Releasing the grip of shame is not only an act of self-liberation but also a way to shine our unique light into the world. When we hold onto false beliefs about our unworthiness, we dim the flame of our authentic self. Letting go of shame allows us to step fully into our power and purpose.
This week’s waxing moon reading beautifully aligns with this theme of noticing limitations and unhooking from them.
“Whatever early experience kills your faith in your own possibilities—that’s what’s so damaging.” - Dr Gabor Mate
Healing is about reclaiming that faith. It’s about nurturing the inner voice that says, “You are enough.”
5 Simple Ways to Connect and Comfort the Part of You That Feels "Not Enough"
Practice Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend. Replace harsh self-talk with kind, understanding words.
Body Awareness: Notice where shame lives in your body. Practice deep breathing or gentle movement to release tension.
Journaling: Write a letter to yourself, acknowledging your worth and releasing the stories that no longer serve you.
Reconnect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, grounding yourself in the present moment. Let the earth remind you of your inherent belonging.
Gratitude Practice: List three things you appreciate about yourself each day. Over time, this rewires your focus toward self-acceptance.
Try repeating this affirmation:
“I am worthy because worthiness cannot be given or awarded.”
Shame may try to define you, but you are not it. You are worthy, whole, and radiant just as you are. Join us in the Sitting with Shame retreat to take this journey together. Let’s shed the false beliefs, embrace our light, and reclaim the truth of our being. Sign up here.
Hosts of the live:
✨ Danielle Catherine: A mother, former nurse turned holistic women’s health practitioner, yoga and meditation teacher, women’s circle facilitator, and passionate student of sidereal astrology and Ayurveda. Learn more
✨ Sian: An artisan, witch, spiritual guide, and tarot reader who creates with intention and supports others on their journey of spirituality, freedom, authenticity, and self-healing. Learn more – Discount Code: CIRCLE111
Love, Danielle
Commentaires