Pseudo-solution

What it is

A pseudo-solution is an unconscious strategy we develop in childhood to solve the pain of early wounds. Although it once seemed necessary, it becomes the very source of the problems it was meant to prevent.

Why it matters

Submission, aggression and withdrawal are the three universal pseudo-solutions described by the Pathwork Guide. Each promises protection, but instead keeps us separated from our Higher Self.

From Bones

~1~

We repressed the original frustration and pain we couldn’t deal with, and we put it out of our awareness. There, it smolders in the unconscious mind. Then destructive images began to take shape.

At the same time, our defense mechanisms of aggression, submission and/or withdrawal fully developed. These are really pseudo-solutions—false solutions that don’t work—that we use daily to battle the world and the pain it inflicts. (Chapter 10)

~2~

We have no idea that our supposed solution is the very thing drawing disappointments and problems to us. When our solution doesn’t work, we just try harder using the same ineffective solution.

The less this works, the more we doubt ourselves. The more we doubt ourselves, the harder we work at applying our wrong solution.

It never occurs to us that our real problem is the solution we have chosen. (Chapter 7)

~3~

In the second category is the pseudo-solution of seeking power. Here we think that the answer to all our problems lies in having power and being independent.

This may be our pervasive life solution. Or this may only show up in certain areas of our lives. As with all pseudo-solutions, there will always be a mix. (Chapter 7)

~4~

Rather than abandoning our limping pseudo-solutions, we wrap them into our idealized self-image. Here, the agenda is to make us feel better than everyone else. (Chapter 10)

~5~

That’s the harsh truth about all pseudo-solutions. In the end, everyone gets hurt, including us… In every case, we hurt others while also inflaming our own wounds. Because thanks to the law of cause and effect, hurting others has ramifications for us.

There will be consequences.

So, not only have we done nothing to calm the original pain, but we have also invited more of it. (Chapter 10)

~6~

With our new outlook, we’ll start seeing that we aren’t such victims after all. We’re the ones creating many, if not all, of our challenges.

All because we insist on using these ineffective pseudo-solutions. (Chapter 7)

Continue with: Idealized Self-image • Image • Mask Self