How to Soften in a Hard World
Softness doesn't come easily. The world is a scary place that demands so much – toughness, togetherness, persistence, resilience.
But softness matters too.
Being soft is often equated with being too sensitive, too mushy, too much of a “girl”.
Many adults were told (or subconsciously absorbed) from an early age that toughness and strength are better than softness and sensitivity.
So you learned. And you learn still.
You learned how to push through. How to carry and care for others, way before yourself. How to be tough and strong and fearless. Childhood trauma can also have an impact on your ability to connect to softness, especially if you find yourself constantly scanning for danger or unable to let your guard down in relationships.
Don’t get me wrong - toughness isn't a bad thing. Being able to pick yourself up and keep moving forward is an important skill.
Resilience is important in this difficult world - but so is softness.
If you exist only as a tough, together person then what happens to your core, to your inner self, to your dreams?
Too much toughness can harden a person.
Being able to soften is what allows us to breathe, to create, and to dream
Softness is an essential quality if you want to experience a full range of emotions and connect deeply and intimately – both with others and with yourself.
Softness has several synonyms – tenderness, compassion and kindness come immediately to my mind. There is also outer softness – literal softness of fabric/texture or compassion extended to others. Inner softness is usually harder for most of the women I work with – it’s harder to feel, yes, but also harder still to allow.
Inner softness means letting down your defenses - being vulnerable, sweet, tender. It doesn't happen all the time and it has to feel safe and comfortable enough.
Think of the last time you felt soft and gentle - Who were you with? What were you doing? Where were you?
I often access a sense of softness for myself through a combination of inner and outer awareness. Most mornings I meditate with my legs covered by a very soft velour blanket and say the word “soften” to myself as I breathe. I remind my body, my muscles, the tension that runs through my heritage to soften - even just a little bit. It's not an easy thing, and it's an ongoing practice.
But what I know is this:
Softening starts with permission.
Permission to sit in the sun, to breathe deeply, to tell yourself "I am good enough" - and to believe it.
At its core, softness is the ultimate in strength and resilience.
It’s time to give yourself the permission you deserve.
Reach out for therapy in New York City & online in NY
If you’re struggling to connect with a sense of softness, tenderness or ease - know that you’re not alone. Childhood trauma, anxiety and the state of the world can make it so hard to exhale fully.
If you’re interested in working together to really soothe your nervous system and understand the stories and legacies that you carry, you can learn more about me & schedule your free intro call for therapy.
About the Author
Maya is a music therapist and psychotherapist in NYC and online throughout New York State.
She specializes in helping women with anxiety, childhood/intergenerational trauma and those who are highly sensitive (HSP) feel good enough, learn how to express their feelings without overwhelm, and connect with inner strengths.
If you’re interested in working together, you can learn more here or schedule your free phone consultation here.
You don’t have to stay stuck - it’s time to reclaim your rhythm.