wants us to be safe . The difficulty , however , is that this ego defence mechanism assumes a position of omnipotence . It assumes that if we try to exert control over everything we will finally be “ safe .” The opposite is actually true . The more we try to control ourselves , others , and life , the more we suffer . We end up oppressing ourselves , repelling our loved ones , and resisting the current of life . In reality , the true power is not in fear-based control , but love - centred mindfulness . We ’ ll explore this more below .
How to Free Yourself From Harmful Ego Defence Mechanisms
Before you learn how to undo , rewrite , and deprogram your mind from the above ego defence mechanisms , I want to highlight something important : Not all mental patterns are bad .
Sometimes it ’ s necessary to have a certain belief in order to motivate yourself in the face of heart-breaking difficulty . Sometimes we need to jump to conclusions and make assumptions in order to protect ourselves from danger ( e . g ., assuming that the guy in a dark hoodie lurking on the street corner might try and mug you .) And without desire , there could be no progress in life .
But mental patterns become mental traps when they start interfering with our mental , emotional , and spiritual wellbeing and we struggle to free ourselves from them .
Below , I ’ ll share how to liberate yourself from the damaging impacts of these ego defence mechanisms :
1 . Practice self-inquiry
When a negative emotion arises within you , inquire into it . Think of yourself like a psychoanalyst , teacher , scientist , observer – whatever word appeals to you – and examine the nature of it .
When a negative emotion arises within you , inquire into it . Think of yourself like a psychoanalyst , teacher , scientist , observer – whatever