We are born with the ability to cry. Yet, few contexts will allow such full expression of distress-anguish past the age of 4. Its expression must be “backed up.” We must learn to “cry” without being seen or heard. What are the consequences or outgrowths of such suppression? Our fates vary relative to the balance of kindness, harshness and wisdom with which people respond to our emotional expressions. Tomkins said: “to the extent to which there are many kinds of distress insensitivity on the part of any individual, there is developmental retardation. A profile of distress sensitivity might also be used as a measure of development of a society” (V 1/2, p 317). My work as a psychotherapist has taught me that the expression of distress-anguish can be a portal into formerly unaware aspects of our inner world. The events, people, and ideals discovered within the spotlight of distress, reflect what one profoundly cares about —…