FW: DailyOM: Beyond Behavior - Defense Mechanisms

[Guest guest]

January

7, 2011

Beyond Behavior

Defense

Mechanisms

Defense mechanism behaviors

that have worked for you in the past may not fit you anymore and need to

change.

We all have

defense mechanisms that we've developed over time, often without being aware of

it. In times of trouble, the behaviors that have worked to get us past

challenges with the least amount of pain are the ones that we repeat; even when

part of us knows they no longer work.

Such

behavior is a natural response from our mental and physical aspects. But

because we are spiritual beings as well, we have the ability to rise above

habits and patterns to see the truth that lay beyond. And from that moment on,

we can make choices that allow us to work directly from that place of truth

within us.

Most of our defense mechanisms were developed in childhood; from the moment

that we realized crying would get us the attention we craved. Passive

aggressive ways of communicating may have allowed us to get what we needed

without being scolded, punished or laughed at, so we learned to avoid being

direct and honest.

Some

of us may have taken refuge in the lives of others, discovering ways to direct

attention away from ourselves entirely. Throwing ourselves into projects or

rescuing others from themselves can be effective ways to avoid dealing with our

own issues. And when people are truly helped by our actions, we get the added

bonus of feeling heroic. But while defenses can keep away the things we fear,

they can also work to keep our good from us.

When we can be honest with ourselves about what we truly desire, then we can

connect our desires to the creative power of the spirit within us. Knowing that

we are one with the energy of the universe allows us release any need for

defense. Trusting that power, we know that we are exactly where we are meant to

be, and that challenges bring gifts of growth and experience.

When

we can put down arms raised in defense, then we are free to use our hands,

minds, hearts and spirits to mold and shape our abundant energy to create and

live our lives.