There are a few common “tricks” that come to mind.
Procrastination is one of them. Thinking that there will still be time to do or decide something later, is a trick that my mind plays on me when I am insecure and undecided. Some situations warrant a little waiting, but most often not doing what is necessary or making the decision for a prolonged period of time leaves me feeling inactive, weak and unsuccessful.
However, the remedy is a trick too. I set a time for myself by when something has to be done and then tell somebody. This becomes a matter of public self respect to be true to my word, which then motivates me to spring into action.
One of the slyest tricksters is fear. Being afraid of something will make my mind come up with very plausible reasons why I have to avoid exposing myself to whatever is intimidating me.
It is well known that most people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death. This was also true for me, until I decided that I could not go on living with myself unless I overcame this fear. The trick I used, apart from preparing well for the speech, was to tell myself that this moment will pass. It is just one moment in time that would (and did indeed!) pass.
Finally tricks can be played on us when our self perception is fragile. From a poor self image stem misunderstandings and misinterpretations leading to confusion and negative self talk.
The trick that helps here is to recognize that one may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting, and therefore one must go back to clear up the situation and ask.
The trickster in us feeds on the parts that are unconscious. As soon as we begin to recognize our fears and unintegrated parts they can’t trick us in the same way anymore into inactivity, negativity and fears. Instead we begin to strengthen our self and individuality. We are now consciously using tricks to accomplish our goals and manage some of our challenges.
As a result we feel better about ourselves, experience more fulfillment, understanding and strength of character.
What a treat to ourselves and to the world!
We celebrate Halloween by externalizing our fears and shadows. We give them personality through various costumes and decorations, thereby acknowledging them. We can see them, feel scared and thrilled by ugliness or unexpected images. At the same time we can make an effort to absorb them into ourselves. The more we own our less attractive parts, the more we shine from the inside and people in our presence will feel good, embraced and safe. This is beauty from the inside out! And, I might add, the beginning of true love.
A perfect example of this is beautifully presented in the film “Enough Said”. James Gandolfini in the role of Albert has his heart broken by people who have not integrated their shadows and therefore see the shadows outside of themselves, namely in him. Examples of those shadow judgements are that he is overweight, picks the onions out of the guacamole and other irrelevant little things. He himself knows all about his shortcomings. They are part of him. That’s who he is also, but not only. The woman he meets is attracted to this big and warm hearted man but their closeness gets poisoned by others, and then she, judging him.
Love people as they are.
As a rule of thumb-when we are irritated by some little (or big) thing another one is doing, chances are it is something in us that needs work.
If you need to, use tricks in order to be a treat!
Happy Halloween!
~Claudia
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