Propelled by the feeling of Craving, Insatiability
"I can swallow this".
We contain when we hold difficult experiences internally, either to suppress unwanted feelings or to turn against the self. Containment offers a way to pause the expression of affect and impulses; as simple as a babe closing their fist or holding their breath to resist screaming. The act of containing creates a temporary homeostasis without fully cutting off from others. This helpful primitive mechanism can evolve into the use of substances (from thumb sucking to cocktails) to serve the same regulatory function. When not joined with mechanisms of self expression, the contained person can force the redirection of negative emotions against the self.
As adults we Contain as a means to experience ourselves as Kind, Benevolent
Containment in Consensus Reality
There is a consensus reality - where we perceive that which is agreed upon as reliable. In this shared reality, we generally see four “acceptable” Containment combinations of defense mechanisms operating. Developed in early childhood, they continue to operate as a basic temperamental style throughout adulthood. Here we see Containing as it combines with its four common partners: Detachment, Absorption, Discharging, and Recoiling.
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When Containment is combined with Absorption, I behave as a Sycophant - containing my Inferior feelings while seeking to be Exalting
Active in the everyday Personas of the Guide, the Confidant, the Vanguard, and the Entertainer
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When Containment is combined with Recoiling, I behave as a Recluse - Containing my Discouraged feelings while seeking to be Galvanized
Active in the everyday Personas of the Negotiator, the Martyr, the Idealist, and the Moralist
Containing as a Dark Wave in Non-Consensus Reality
As our attachment to the rotating Defense Structures within us dissolves, attention turns to disembodied dark waves that we find alive in our environment.
Dark wave energies are experienced outside the accepted norms of reality; sometimes occurring in our sex lives, more often in the form of compelling Doppelgangers - the “Others” - operating outside that which we find acceptable.
As we gain a more personal relationship to these Dark Wave entities, we place ourselves at the Gates of Dawn.
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Do you find yourself disturbed by the appearance of addiction in your world? Might you recognize in its appearance, a doppelgänger to your own unresolved actualization of Grace?
Open to the sensations of this deeply buried suffering, festering at the base of your obsessions.
A state of Containment of one’s own Anxieties can block reality and summon the Dark Wave entity witnessed in
Hannya
(the Japanese figure from Noh Theatre in a state of suppressed pain leading to obsession)
This state of reality-blockade can best be soothed by giving attention to Grace.
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Do you find yourself disturbed by the appearance of OCD in your world? Might you recognize in its appearance, a doppelgänger to your own unresolved actualization of Temperance?
Open to the sensations of this anxious control, suffering to neutralize fears and maintain rigid order.
A state of Containment of one’s own Indignity can block reality and summon the Dark Wave entity witnessed in
Humbaba
(the Sumerian guardian who embodies rigid defense)
This state of reality-blockade can best be soothed by giving attention to Temperance
Both the Junkie (Hannya) and Anankastic (Humbaba) suffer the unmet aspirations for
Passionate Composure
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Actualizing the Great Beaver qualities of Temperance
and the Great Dolphin qualities of Grace
offers Passionate Composure
to the dark wave energies of the Hannya and the Humbaba.
Focus on the call of these Pipers in you.
They point you toward non-dominant aspects of your True Self.
What would you be willing to learn and actualize from your own Grace and Temperance?
I call upon Grace and Temperance to meet
Hannya and Humbaba energies,
first set aside the impulse to deny your feelings of Anxiety and Indignity.
In the pause of that quiet moment, turn there to the presence of these two Pipers at the Gates of Dawn heralding the Great Elephant of Divine Compassion.
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To learn Grace:
Give attention to the teachings of Shekhina or Christ in Abrahamic Faiths.
This call is aided by observing the following Personas and Natural Forces already at work in my world.
The work of the Fool as
Vacuum Generator: A source of virtual particles and potential energy, fluctuating between existence and non-existence. Like a particle at the event horizon of a black hole, turning ambiguity into reality
The work of the Rescuer as
Gravitational Well: An irresistible pull, created by unseen curvature of spacetime around a massive object. Laws that curve assumed densities of matter
The work of the Free Spirit as
Cosmic Ray: A high-energy particle from outside the solar system, carrying information about distant cosmic phenomena. Distant horizons, shaping current location
The work of the Philanthropist as
Magnetosphere: A magnetic field shielding the Earth by deflecting solar winds. A protective and influential aura
The work of the Adept as
Resonant chamber: Selectively amplifies electromagnetic information, filtering noise for refined data. Like a cathedral, echoing sound
The work of the Ringmaster as
Power Amplifier: Enhances influence, maximizing visibility and recognition. Like a flock of birds flying in formation
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To learn Temperance:
Give attention to the thoughts of Universal Reason in Stoicism.
This call is aided by observing the following Personas and Natural Forces already at work in my world.
The work of the Fixer as
Geomagnetic Field: A protective field of force generated by the movement of molten iron in the planet's core, which shields the atmosphere from solar winds and cosmic rays. Quietly deflecting the chaos of the outer world
The work of the Savant as
Spectral Emitter: A source of unique electromagnetic radiation, revealing the hidden composition and energy of its inner world. Issuing a unique fingerprint of insight
The work of the Diplomat as
Nuclear Isomer: A contained source of potent energy, capable of controlled release and transformation. Releasing power only at the opportune moment
The work of the Genius as
Singularity: a region of zero volume and infinite density, a point where spacetime itself is warped beyond recognition. Absolute focus, erasing boundaries
The work of the Disrupter as
Nuclear Fission: Splitting of an atom's nucleus, releasing energy and introducing change and instability. Unleashing a chain reaction of change
The work of the Straight shooter as
Nuclear Ground State: A state of fundamental stability and balanced energy, providing a firm foundation. Self sustaining agent of change
