The things we don’t like about someone else tend to reflect the things we don’t like in ourselves. Psychologists refer to this as projection.
Projections can be positive or negative and include self-traits that are both conscious or unconscious. The unconscious projections tend to prove most difficult when we view and negatively assess a trait in someone else that we disavow in ourselves as it can escalate tension—and in severe cases, lead to hate and dangerous behaviors.
The next time you feel strongly reactive or judgmental toward a person, try examining if any of those same feelings or traits reside in you. Take a moment to imagine feeling the feelings you don’t like in the other person. Does it possibly trigger any memories that you have not liked in yourself?
A little self-reflection can go a long way toward uncovering hidden motives and self-criticism that block the full flow of love.
Inspiration for the Day: “The most dangerous psychological mistake is the projection of the shadow on to others; this is the root of almost all conflicts.” –Carl Jung
Note: This is an ongoing series to help provide support during these challenging times. These daily readings are part of an overall book on balance, which includes 12 essentials for maintaining balance to support resilience and your best self. The 12 essentials include mind, body, love, service, self, family, intimacy, purpose, environment/living space, nature, social relations, and spirit. This series is sharing 30 days of lessons about love. It will examine multiple aspects of love and provide knowledge and inspiration for hearts to heal and love to flow. It is designed as a daily reader to allow time to reflect, process and incorporate.
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