July 21, 2011: More about Shenpa by P. Norton.

     During this session of SpiritMindBodyGroup, an article by Pema Chodron entitled The Shenpa Syndrome was discussed.
     Here is a link under which you can find the whole article.
http://www.shambhala.org/teachers/pema/shenpa3a.php

     Short statements about Shenpa from the group's discussion:

     Shenpa is defined as attachment. But it's really a tightening sensation when something "hooks" you, whether a criticism, a mean word, a worry about losing something, a fear of failing, whatever it might be. The Shenpa is really about suddenness. It's also very common and it's OK that it occurs.
     The key to change is self-observation. We would benefit from identifying this sensation early. Then we can either decide to withdraw
 from the discomfort producing situation and try to bring the problem to the fore at a later time when we are more open to a solution. Many people are in continual Shenpa from all sides. You want to try to become open and practice Prajna -- loving kindness toward oneself in wisdom.
     Someone suggested the Chekhov novel The Cherry Orchard might show us how to recognize the tightness earlier.
     Some asked how Shenpa came about? What is the value of Shenpa? It is probably a survival mechanism. It is probably not our choice. We just get upset. But if we can learn to control it, it might help to keep our cortisol levels down -- less stress hormone levels. But in the area of survival, this mechanism is way over done, and our minds and bodies use it way too often. Cognitive therapy might help people get past Shenpa.
     People may feel shenpa in various ways and in various areas of the body. It might be a band around the head, a tingling in the legs, or a desire to move the body, or a gnawing sensation in the stomach.
    Shenpa can be adaptive or maladaptive. We probably need to learn to recognize the shenpa feelings and then befriend it. And don't make any decisions or hold serious discussions with friends if either or both are under the influence of shenpa. It may be better to walk way and undertake the interaction when neither are under the influence of this negative tightening.