Projection

"Projection [of our own shadow] makes the whole world a replica of our own unknown face."
Carl Gustav Jung




When we are not conscious of our inner landscape (and we can never be totally conscious of that dynamic spiral of self) our unfinished business appears in others.

Projection can be very subtle or carry with it an emotional charge, like when someone attracts or repels you strongly.

Ah, there's a clue that projection is engaged!

Falling in love is a projection. Many times the relationship ends once the projections are torn way. The other person emerges as he or she truly is and doesn’t live up to our expectations. The man who in the beginning made you feel desirable and secure isn't doing the things you expect him to do to sustain that euphoria of a new relationship. The woman you fell in love with for her independent nature begins to want more of your time and energy.

Once we begin to tear down the projections we have placed upon others and unburden our selves of the projections placed upon us, relationships come to a crossroads. Seeing our selves and others for who they truly are can be frightening, because it asks us to let go of the perception that another will complete us, instead of complement us.

Deep and nourishing relationships can develop only when we are actively and consciously engaged in the process of becoming our authentic selves and inviting and allowing the other to be his or her authentic self.

Projection can occur in all relationships—romantic, parent/child, friends, authority figures, celebrities, world leaders. Even our relationship with God brings projection into the mix.

Projection often leads one to view others as responsible when you are not getting what you need or want, because along with projection comes a heavy, heavy dose of expectation.

Projecting responsibility on another to make our lives right robs of us of the power we have to take full and radical responsibility for our own life and choices!