Have you ever felt tortured in a cave of many voices?
I sometimes retreat there in the aftermath of conflict with family or friends, especially if I suspect someone is mad at me or I feel guilty about a misstep or ashamed by my own vulnerability. Looking for relief I hide in my head, which turns out to be an echo chamber with no easy outlet.
Hours and days can pass with me in this place: running different scenarios in my mind. What if I say this, or do that. Will it all be better? Will they hear what I need? Can I get some relief?
This is a cave filled with death and decay.