No More Lying, Hiding and Covering Up-Part 2

This post offers insight into the deeply ingrained human tendency towards self-preservation and the journey toward genuine freedom. Here's an expanded look.

The Roots of Self-Protection

A fundamental reality: insecurity, self-protection, and ego are all facets of our self-preservation instincts. These aren't necessarily flaws, but rather highly evolved survival mechanisms. When we feel threatened—whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically—our brains kick into high gear, often resorting to tactics like hiding, lying, or covering up. (Adam and Eve).This isn't necessarily a conscious choice in the moment; it's the result of deeply ingrained conditioning from past experiences, especially trauma. This post can bring a degree of enlightenment on the subject however this is a different experience for everyone, also in varying degrees of intensity.

Consider how early experiences shape us. A child who was shamed for making mistakes might grow into an adult who avoids risk at all costs, or who promotes themselves excessively to overcompensate. Someone who grew up in an unstable environment might develop a hyper-vigilance that manifests as constant anxiety. Even broader factors like temperament (our innate behavioral style) and geographical location (influencing cultural norms and societal pressures) play a role in how these self-preservation tendencies are expressed. The drive to survive is universal, but its outward manifestation is unique to the individual.

The Path to becoming "Free to Be"

The concept of being "free to be" is very compelling. It suggests a liberation from the constant need to guard ourselves, to perform, or to conform. The key we’ve identified is self-awareness, particularly through understanding your temperament. This is crucial because it can help us understand why we react the way we do.(This in addition to many other “tools” that help us to “do the work”.)If you know you're naturally more sensitive, you can anticipate situations that might trigger a defensive response and develop healthier coping mechanisms. If you understand your tendency towards impulsivity, you can build in pauses before reacting.

This journey is a process of healthily dealing with the issues of your life, past, present and even future as we are continually learning and growing. It’s not about erasing who you are, but about integrating your experiences and innate wiring into a more conscious and intentional way of living. This involves:

Acknowledging your past: Understanding how past hurts or conditioning have shaped your current reactions without letting them define you. Forgiveness and release of judgements are additional key factors particularly on the spiritual level…though everything ultimately is spiritual.

This transformation, comes from the "renewing of your mind." This biblical phrase found in the book of Romans 12:2, speaks to a fundamental shift in perspective and thought patterns. It's about retraining your brain to respond to perceived threats not with automatic self-preservation, but with intentionality, self-compassion, and a sense of security and innate value that comes from within. This is possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Trust in God.

Trust in God as the “container” of all these aspects. Genuine, active faith provides the ultimate secure relationship , a source of unconditional acceptance and strength. When you trust in Christ, it will provide a foundation that transcends earthly insecurities. This trust can diminish the overwhelming burden of self-preservation because you believe there's a greater force at work, caring for you and guiding you.

This perspective implicates that the "work" of transformation isn't solely on your shoulders. Instead, it becomes a collaborative effort. He will do the work in you if you'll allow Him to through obedience to His transformative Word. He promises to finish the work He has begun. This implies a willingness on our part to surrender, to be open to guidance, and to allow a spiritual process to unfold. This trust can alleviate the pressure to be perfect, to always be strong, or to have all the answers, creating the space for genuine healing and growth. This is not a linear pathway. Life itself is not linear. We need to give ourselves lots of grace to run the race!

True freedom comes not from the absence of challenges, but from a renewed mind grounded in self-awareness and an ever deepening trust in God. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of putting this understanding into practice in your life? Write these things down…. These questions may well be a first step on a new leg of your journey. Be free to be… and become. No more need to hide, lie or cover up as you gradually expose the real you in the process. He is safe. He is your refuge. It’s safe to come out of hiding as you entrust yourself to His love for you.

BH/Gemini/The Bible