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50. SHOWING UP / WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal is a protective mechanism when the outside world becomes too much. The ability to withdraw is neither good nor bad in itself. In some cases it is the best way to protect yourself, in other cases it is harmful if you overdo it. 

In order to be seen, you have to show yourself. To show yourself, the environment has to be safe enough. This raises the question of how you want to be seen. How or with what do you want to show yourself? With an ideal image of yourself, with a desired image of how you would like to be, or just as you are? 

Let’s say you don’t need confirmation that you can be who you are. Suppose you are as free as you allow yourself to be. Suppose you have permission to be authentic. If you have drawn this card, it is important to take a close look: How much withdrawal is necessary? Do you want to show something of yourself, and if so, what might that be?