~4 minute read

Character introductions:

(Past)
Whimsical and hopeful, (Past) often has grand ideas
that have not yet met with the limitations of reality

{Present}
Grounded in the here & now, {Present} tries to wrest control
over the only moment in which we can create change
…this one.

[Future]
With a focus on sustainability and long-term strategy,
[Future] aims to simplify the next endeavor
with intention and thorough preparation

Self
The Discerning Decision-maker of the group.
Self hears out the perspective of the others
and aims to make the most effective and compassionate call

When Shadowed by Shame…Apply Heat to Make a Lasting Change

In a metaphorical hallway of shared mental space, where a closet bursting with old embarrassments looms under a flickering neglected light, (Past), {Present}, [Future], and Self stand before the daunting door.

Behind it lies a reservoir of pressurized shame—a painful reminder of past self-judgments.

The last time they met here – in an attempt to brighten this long-avoided area of the internal landscape – they added self-compassion to the milieu of closeted emotions. A gust of superheated backdraft made the experience untenable.

They gather their courage to revisit this door, knowing that opening it might be the key to moving forward with compassion and clarity.

Alright, everyone, here we are again.
It didn’t go smoothly last time, but we’ve learned a lot since.
Are we ready to face what’s behind this door once more?

(I know it was tough before,
but think about all the adventures we could have
if we just let go of these old fears!
Imagine the freedom on the other side!)

{I remember the pain from last time.
It hit hard, and it hit deep.
But we can’t change what’s already happened;
we can only affect what’s happening right now.
And right now, I think we’re stronger, more prepared.
Let’s handle it differently this time.}

[If we plan this carefully, we can manage the backdraft better than before.
Let’s approach it methodically, with safeguards in place.
Each step forward is a step towards a healthier,
more self-compassionate future.
We can’t let fear of discomfort deter us from the growth we deserve.]

I’m appreciative of all these insights.
Past, your optimism brings light to our journey.
Present, your realism keeps us grounded.
And Future, your strategic thinking prepares us for what’s next.
Together, let’s open this door, not all at once, but slowly, deliberately.
Pausing frequently to be gentle with ourselves
We’ll handle whatever comes through with care and compassion.

(Here’s to the brave ones who open old doors to let in new light!
Let’s turn our regrets into lessons and our lessons into laughter.)

{This moment is ours to claim.
Let’s breathe, open it a crack, and confront what comes with courage.
We are not the same as we were—
we are wiser, we are kinder, and we are together.}

[With each gentle opening,
we pave the way for a smoother journey ahead.
Let’s be the architects of our own healing,
designing a future free from the shadows of past judgments.]

Slowly now, let’s open this door.
We’ll address each burst of backdraft as it comes,
with patience and perspective.
And a healthy dose of Self-Compassion
We’re in this together, learning and growing
with every challenge we face.

As they push the door open, a rush of emotions swirls around them. It’s uncomfortable, it’s unsettling, but this time, they’re ready.

They face each feeling, each memory, with a newfound resilience, knowing that this process, this moment of vulnerability, is a crucial step towards building a more compassionate and fulfilling future.

Written by Elise Loprieno
Intention Consultant & LMFT
(In collaboration with a Large Language Model)

Based on the concept of Backdraft
inspired by the work of Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer

For more information on Backdraft
log in to the free portal of resources
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