RECOGNIZING DENIAL

Written By Duane Nelson


2 IDEAS FROM ME

  • Recognizing denial in critical relationships is a courageous and transformative act. Denial may shield us from pain temporarily, but it also blocks growth, connection, and healing. When we acknowledge what we’ve been unwilling to see—be it unmet needs, harmful patterns, or deep wounds—we take the first powerful step toward authenticity.

  • Facing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, frees us to set healthier boundaries, communicate honestly, and rebuild trust. Denial may feel safe, but truth sets us free. In seeing clearly, we honor both ourselves and those we care about, creating space for real, lasting change rooted in self-awareness.

2 QUOTES FROM SAGES

  • “Denial is the shock absorber for the soul. It protects us until we are equipped to cope with reality.”― C.S. Lewis

  • “Denial helps us feel safe in the short term, but it steals clarity, connection, and courage in the long run.”

    ― Brené Brown (paraphrased insight)

1 QUESTION FOR YOU TO EXPLORE

  • What truth are you using denial as a shock absorber for to avoid confronting the pain of unmet needs? How courageous and committed are you to heal and grow.

Namaste,

Duane Nelson

Duane Nelson

Ultrajourney Insight is an Anacortes Washington-based non-profit organization providing mindfulness & well-being services designed to ignite the adventure of a lifetime. The founder, Duane Nelson, is a writer, speaker, and teacher with four decades of parenting, wilderness, & international technology leadership. His professional insights come from chemical engineering and automation leadership at Philips, Intel, and Amazon. His adventure insights flow from ultramarathons, mountaineering, canyoneering, and adventure racing in Nepal, Alaska, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Mexico, British Columbia and Alberta.

https://ultrajourneyinsight.org
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