What is the difference between guilt and shame and why is the distinction crucial for our emotional and spiritual health? Its invaluable to discern the difference between guilt and shame so that we can respond appropriately in situations and can ask others to respond to us appropriately and fairly also. Its also vital that we know whether we are feeling bad because of something we have done or because we have simply gotten into the habit of feeling bad.
Guilt is something our conscience compels us to feel when we have acted in a way that is not in alignment with our own moral compass. If we believe in being honest and we lie, we will feel guilty (even if we justify it as a white lie to ourselves or others). If we believe in the Golden Rule, Do unto others, we will feel guilty if we treat someone disrespectfully or unfairly. In guilt, we feel bad about what we have done, not who we are. We are able to distinguish between the goodness of who we fundamentally are and the mistake we have made that requires correction/amends/asking forgiveness.
Shame is a different experience. When we feel shame, it is not for what we have done, not for a particular behavior, but for...
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