An introductory reflection on self-image, defence and flexible identity.
AT A GLANCE
01A working model02When protection becomes a wall03Think of identity as an action
“The aim is not to memorise an answer, but to learn how to see the question more clearly.”
A working model
We build a story about who we are, what we can do and how others see us. It helps us decide, but treating it as permanent truth makes new evidence difficult to accept.
When protection becomes a wall
During criticism, failure or intimacy, we may defend self-image through denial, blame or withdrawal. Recognising the behaviour is not self-condemnation; it restores choice.
Think of identity as an action
Moving from “This is who I am” to “This is how I am behaving right now” makes identity more flexible.
READ FURTHER
More doors into this question
Books, essays and conversations that can carry the question further.
OPENAPA Dictionary — Self-concept↗