Defence Mechanisms & Resistances

Although the dream process attempts to release difficult emotions, trauma and past experience, most people have inbuilt mechanisms which prevent this spontaneous healing activity. It is natural to pull our hand away from a hot surface because of the pain. We do this ‘without thinking’, unconsciously in fact. Similarly we unconsciously pull away from any painful or frightening emotions in our dreams, even though it may be in our best interests to face and thereby release or integrate them.

The non release leads to physical tension; a massive use of energy to contain such emotions; and development of physical illness. Resistance may also be in the form of not wanting to change; fear of the new; feeling threatened by fresh views of life or any questioning of the values one has long lived by. To free oneself from such resistances needs a positive motivation and the learning of new psychological and even physical skills, as presented in Opening to Life

It is interesting that many of the ways life heals us are avoided by us or are felt as unpleasant. For instance vomiting, a fever, a boil are often fought against with pain killers – even sneezing is often stifled. And these ways of healing also apply psychologically, and can be allowed instead of stifled or run away from. See Life’s Little Secrets; Defence; Techniques for Exploring your Dreams

Useful Questions and Hints:

Can I recognise how I pull away from the healing process?

Can I open my body and mind to the powerful processes of healing?

Have I learnt to work with and not against the process?

See Life’s Little Secrets; LifeStream – People’s Experience of LifeStream – Arm Circling Meditation