Keeping the "Victim" at Bay: Notes from an Ex-Victim
June/13/2009 05:48 PM Filed in: Ethics
& Archetypes
We all have the "Victim" archetype. Its part of our
programming for learning to accept and manage our
personal power appropriately. And for many of us, we
have accepted our power and this has caused our
"Victim" to retreat, but it is always there, behind the
scenes, waiting for us to fall into a weak moment.
Here's a note from a massage therapist who beautifully
describes his awareness that the Victim is lurking.
"I was not surprised to find that my lowest ranking archetype was the
victim. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am overly optimistic,
truly joyful and trusting to a fault. These are the benefits or advantages
of having very little "Victim" in me both personally and professionally.
I enjoy life and see the good parts of it readily. I have an innate trust in
the fact that everyone‚s life will, eventually, always work out for the
best, no matter what the circumstances are.
This must be great for my clients, for I truly enjoy my work, expect success and positive outcomes and
trust that they are doing the right thing by seeking me.
Although my victim ranks low, I realize that I was once a victim and that
it still lurks within me and will be profound in some clients. Personally
and professionally I must use caution in regard to settling, being too independent or
hiding one's own vulnerability; all of which I am guilty of.
I admit to having settled (for less than I am capable of, or deserve) both personally and professionally in the past and this kept me in these relationships even though I felt unhappy and unfulfilled. I
spent time and energy thinking something would change, but only in vain.
As an Aquarian/Victim, my independence has kept me from professional and
personal support for many situations. Hiding my vulnerability causes others
blindness to more soft, tender and compassionate aspects of my being.
I have tried to create better balance with the Victim archetype via the
introspection methods of spiritual development, body work and now
counseling. This helps to acknowledge the past without having it effect the
future. Also, it helps to accept the concept of interdependence- easily
overlooked.
In conclusion, this means I must: continue to remind myself to
allow others to help me or be close to me without fear of injury,
consequence or hurt and honor my vulnerability. For it is this that fosters
trust."
"I was not surprised to find that my lowest ranking archetype was the
victim. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am overly optimistic,
truly joyful and trusting to a fault. These are the benefits or advantages
of having very little "Victim" in me both personally and professionally.
I enjoy life and see the good parts of it readily. I have an innate trust in
the fact that everyone‚s life will, eventually, always work out for the
best, no matter what the circumstances are.
This must be great for my clients, for I truly enjoy my work, expect success and positive outcomes and
trust that they are doing the right thing by seeking me.
Although my victim ranks low, I realize that I was once a victim and that
it still lurks within me and will be profound in some clients. Personally
and professionally I must use caution in regard to settling, being too independent or
hiding one's own vulnerability; all of which I am guilty of.
I admit to having settled (for less than I am capable of, or deserve) both personally and professionally in the past and this kept me in these relationships even though I felt unhappy and unfulfilled. I
spent time and energy thinking something would change, but only in vain.
As an Aquarian/Victim, my independence has kept me from professional and
personal support for many situations. Hiding my vulnerability causes others
blindness to more soft, tender and compassionate aspects of my being.
I have tried to create better balance with the Victim archetype via the
introspection methods of spiritual development, body work and now
counseling. This helps to acknowledge the past without having it effect the
future. Also, it helps to accept the concept of interdependence- easily
overlooked.
In conclusion, this means I must: continue to remind myself to
allow others to help me or be close to me without fear of injury,
consequence or hurt and honor my vulnerability. For it is this that fosters
trust."