Trauma and emotional upset left unprocessed will often fester, much like an abscess will form if infection is not addressed.
Processing emotion is about breaking our feelings down into manageable “digestible” parts, much like a food processor breaks down lumpy food that would otherwise be difficult to digest and which, when left unprocessed, might even cause indigestion and discomfort. If you leave emotional issues unprocessed and unaddressed, you cannot practice your other keystone principles, especially self-preservation.
Being stoic and strong when confronted with a crisis, trauma or loss is generally regarded by the community as an asset. A sign of resilience and a sign of having a strong character. People in professions like the military and police set the standard. In fact, they and other first responders are self-selected because it is considered part of their job. Unfortunately, the consequences of this societal pressure and expectation are all too often tragic.
