Clearing the Clouds of Projection
Guidelines to Navigate the Process
“The general psychological reason for projection is always an activated unconscious that seeks expression.”
- C.G. Jung, “The Symbolic Life” (CW 18)
Projection is a natural function of the psyche. It is impossible to truly view reality outside of our own subjective lens. As we gaze out into the world, the flavors of our inner life and psychological history color how we perceive and relate to the situations at hand.
It helps us make new situations familiar, manageable. By drawing upon the vast storehouse of insights deep within our conscious and unconscious perceptions, we can navigate life with (seemingly) greater ease. We can anticipate the likely actions of the cashier at the supermarket based on what we have experienced before. We can feel empathy for other’s joy or grief from the times we have have felt the same. We can identify an unsafe environment by the subtle cues that alert us to underlying dynamics.
Each time we project, a piece of our psyche leaves the inner world. Because this process is unconscious (we do not choose to have a projection), it appears to us as unquestionably external, originating from outside of us. It is only when our projections are laced with shadow material, unresolved conflicts, and distortions that it begins to stir up trouble.
This is where the clouds of projection begin to surround us. Like a thick fog or a gathering storm, it obstructs the clarity of consciousness. If we fail to see this happening, the projections eventually compound on itself. We become caught in the patterns of our own unconscious making. Lost in uncertainty, we are faced with a reality we cannot seem to reconcile.
From Jung’s words above, we can find an inherent meaning and purpose behind this phenomenon. The unconscious seeks expression. It will do so via our dreams, symptoms, projections, synchronicities and more. It is an invitation to further consciousness.
Becoming aware, withdrawing, and claiming our projections is no easy task. It is a heavy burden, fraught with the challenges that all real shadow work requires. However, a successful integration of projected material often leads to a sense of revitalization; an expansion of self that provides a solid ground by which we can continue to facilitate individuation.
Guidelines for Working with Projections
“What is known as integration in modern psychology is thus a remarkable and complicated process, in which a hitherto unconscious psychic content is brought repeatedly into the view of the conscious ego and recognized as belonging to its own personality.”
- Marie Louise von Franz, “Projection and Re-Collection in Jungian Psychology”
Recognizing and withdrawing our projections is labyrinthian in nature, it twists and turns as we snake our way deeper into the unknown. Here are some considerations, guidelines to navigate the maze of the psyche.
Acknowledge projection as an inner reality
Projections cast illusions out into the world. They manifest externally, distorting how we see an individual, interpret actions, or read the environment. Inwardly, it is anything but an illusion. It is the very reality of our psychological landscape. Denial of this point only generates further shadow in the psyche. It creates hostility and sets us up as an antagonist to our own growth and self-understanding. To decisively cut through the entrenched fogginess of projection, we must acknowledge this truth. We have to hold the tension of a paradox — This projection is real and yet it is not.
This statement begins the process of allowing us to differentiate what is ours and what isn’t. It invites curiosity, a pause, and potential self-reflection to our habitual modes of relating and interacting. The microcosm of our inner world is reflected in the macrocosm of the outer world. Now we can begin to traverse the bridges that connect them.
A strong and flexible ego is needed to begin this process. Consider ways to develop openness to the changes that withdrawing projections requires.
Nervous system resiliency helps us approach projection (and shadow in general) without become dysregulated (or noticing it is happening and re-regulating). Somatic experiencing, breathwork, yoga, and other body-focused modalities are helpful here.
Search for the projections
Our shadow hides in the blind spots of our consciousness. It lurks behind us, often obvious to others, but elusive to the individual. Projection is shadow, it is an unconscious process, but it leaves an imprint on the environment. There are ways to pick up on its presence, or to refine our awareness to catch its scent.
Here are a few ways we may detect our projections:
Intimate relationships usually activate a high degree of projection, from all individuals involved. Take a close look at the ongoing relationship patterns you notice across time, that seem present no matter who you are with.
Pay attention when you have a disproportional reaction to something, when you fight against being corrected at all costs. Our psyche wants to defend against acknowledging the projection. This is often what separates a mere observation from a projection.
Notice intensity of nervous system responses. Projection not only activates emotional and mental defenses. It rallies the body in its attempt to stave off experiencing the unconscious material.
Look towards your dreams for recurring images, symbols or themes. Areas that we need to develop or become more conscious of often arise first in the dreamscape.
We can project good qualities on to others as well. Idealization points us towards positive aspects of our own psychology that we have yet to claim as our own. Consider how you may be seeing another as an embodiment of your own aspirations or as an escape from your own perceived limitations.
Trace the projection to its roots
Once we identify a projection, we can begin peeling back the layers. It is helpful to first look at the personal aspects:
Where in my history do I place this?
What are the emotions, thoughts, sensations and behaviors that surround it?
What does this projection say about me, and what am I being called to?
Underneath this personal layer, there is also an archetypal center. At the core of all our psychic content is an archetype - innate structures that produce typical images, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Tracing to the archetypal root helps us put our own personal situation in the context of a larger, instinctual pattern. It can reveal what may be amiss, what may have led to the creation of these habits or projections, and how to bring things back into alignment.
Claim the projection as your own
As von Franz states above, we must, time and time again, claim the projection as our own. We must remind ourself that it belongs to the wholeness of our personality. That it is a piece in the grand puzzle of our psyche. We have to circulate around and around this psychic fragment, each time getting a little closer to truly owning it. That is what integration really is. Not a simple process where things fall back into place with ease. But an unfolding over time.
It is easy to become exasperated with this process. To feel like we aren’t making any meaningful change. But if we can stand in the midst of the clouds of chaos and say, “Something here is mine, and I want to own it,” then we are taking a courageous step towards profound personal development.
Join the conversation
All comments are welcome, but here are a few prompts to consider:
What are your thoughts on the concept of projection?
What techniques do you find useful for recognizing and withdrawing projections?
Any questions on the guidelines here?