Womans Wound - Shielded Heart (Fear of Feedback)

Description:
This wound involves fear of receiving feedback, often due to fear of rejection or harsh criticism. It can prevent personal growth and make one resistant to change.

• Avoids situations where feedback may be received, e.g., reviews or discussions.
• Feels personally attacked or hurt by constructive criticism.
• Hesitates to share work or ideas to avoid potential judgment.
• Overthinks or ruminates on any critical feedback received.
• Often seeks only positive feedback or avoids interactions that could be critical.

Mode of Survival: 

• Fight: You may react defensively to feedback, arguing or justifying why you did something the way you did. You might resist changing or improving based on feedback.
• Flight: You avoid feedback altogether, not seeking or wanting any critique. You may shut down when feedback is given or avoid asking for it.
• Freeze: You feel paralyzed and unsure of how to process or use feedback, unsure whether to act on it or not.
• Fawn: You might excessively seek approval and validation, only accepting feedback that reinforces your ideas or actions, ignoring constructive criticism.

Origins:

• Childhood: Criticism that was overly harsh or received in a way that felt personal.
• Ancestral: A history of being judged or punished for speaking up or being “different.”
• Society: Culture often equates criticism with failure rather than an opportunity to learn.

Clearing Methods:

• Mental: Reframe feedback as a gift. Write down and celebrate constructive feedback that has helped you grow.
• Physical: Practice breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques before receiving feedback to manage reactions.
• Spiritual: Visualize a soft, protective light around your heart. Affirm “I am open to growth and see feedback as a tool for expansion.”

Journaling Exercise:
Write a letter to someone who gave you feedback that was hard to hear, expressing how it made you feel and why it was difficult. Then, rewrite that feedback in a way that empowers you, focusing on how it could help you grow.

Reflection Questions:

• What stories do I tell myself when I receive feedback?
• What’s one piece of feedback that helped me grow, even if it was hard to hear?
• How would my view of feedback change if I saw it as a tool for personal growth?

Whenever you feel stuck or notice recurring struggles, revisit the questionnaire to identify which block or protector might be holding you back. For lasting results, commit to practicing the clearing techniques consistently for 30 days; this will help you create a strong foundation and build a habit that supports ongoing growth and transformation.