Show Notes:
• Exploring the concepts of projections (unconscious agency) and introjections (unconscious receptivity) from the Stages model
• Understanding the split ego state and how it relates to childhood development and trauma
• Recognizing unhealthy patterns of being more of a "taker" than a "giver" in relationships and life
• Working on reciprocity, boundaries, and being more altruistic by offering value without expectation
The Unconscious Dance of Projections and Introjections
I recently came across a fascinating idea - that projections are an unconscious use of agency, while introjections are an unconscious form of receptivity. This stems from my recent dive into the Stages model and the three forms of shadow identified by Kim Barta: projections, introjections, and split ego states.
Projections are qualities about ourselves that we place onto others, often showing up as judgments. Introjections are taking on qualities, feelings, or traits that aren't truly ours. A split ego state occurs when a childhood trauma causes part of our psyche to become walled off or unconsciously carried into later stages of development.
The idea of projections being "unconscious agency" is striking. Agency implies self-authored action and creativity, but when it's unconscious, we aren't realizing the impact of our behaviors. The world then reflects that unconsciousness back to us through triggers and reactions we project onto others.
Introjections, being "unconscious receptivity," represent the flip side. We're taking in messages, media, or even trauma without realizing how it permeates our psychology and behavioral patterns. The 1.0 stage of pure receptivity in infancy is often where introjections begin.
For me personally, I'm seeing how much I've operated from an unconscious drive to "take" rather than give - seeking friendship, intimacy, or even business in manipulative ways to get my wants met. It links back to developmental lacks around boundaries, reciprocity, and valuing myself enough to just offer value without expectation.
The 2.0 stage is all about learning boundaries, negotiating wants, and developing that critical theory of mind and social perspective-taking. If we get stuck in an earlier stage or experience a "shadow crash," we can react from that younger, more selfishly motivated ego state.
My work now is noticing those taking/manipulative tendencies, setting healthier boundaries, and figuring out how to genuinely give and be altruistic - through content, skills, presence, and service to others. Not from a depleted place, but from truly valuing what I have to offer the world.
It's an insightful model for doing powerful inner work. If any of these concepts resonate, I invite you to explore the Stages model further or leave me a comment with questions. I'll do my best to offer more generous perspectives as I muddle through these realizations myself.
Give and Take: The Unconscious Dance of Projections and Introjections