In this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim explore the hidden harm behind the constant push for positivity in the spiritual and self-help worlds. They discuss how forced positivity can become a defense mechanism, blocking authentic connection and emotional healing.

Our hosts assess how covering up uncomfortable emotions with positive thinking doesn't make them go away; it simply buries them, where they resurface later in unexpected and often harmful ways. Through personal stories they highlight how toxic positivity shows up in everyday moments, and how this reveals a deeper cultural discomfort with emotional honesty and vulnerability.

Gareth and Kim assess tools for building emotional intelligence: removing judgment from emotions, validating all feelings, practicing active listening, and expanding emotional vocabulary. By getting more comfortable with the full emotional spectrum, even difficult emotions can become valuable guides rather than threats.

This episode invites listeners to stop gaslighting their own experiences and begin forming a more genuine relationship with themselves. With compassion and practical guidance, Gareth and Kim show how true growth comes from acknowledging every part of the emotional journey—not just the pleasant parts.

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