Unraveling The Thread: How Archetypes Illuminate Hidden Patterns in Our Weight Struggles
Have you ever wondered why shedding those extra pounds sometimes feels like an uphill battle? Why do we find ourselves stuck in patterns, unable to break free despite our best efforts? I know I did, especially after losing weight and gaining it repeatedly; I wondered if it was so wrong with me that I couldn't keep this weight off for good. Then, one day, I realized that this was a pattern; my cycle of losing and gaining weight was a pattern, and if I could figure out what the pattern was and where it started, I could finally manage my weight. Then, I discovered archetypes.
What exactly are archetypes, you ask?
Archetypes and symbols that reside in the depths of our collective unconscious. These timeless patterns shape the way we think, feel, and behave. Carolyn Myss, one of the pioneers of archetypal studies and who I consider one of my spiritual teachers, defines them as universal symbols and themes that reside in the collective unconscious of humanity. These timeless patterns shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, offering profound insights into the complex tapestry of the human experience. Awareness of our archetypes can lead to profound self-discovery and transformation at all levels of our self – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
How does this relate to weight loss, you ask?
Archetypes help you start uncovering those unconscious patterns that keep popping back up despite your best efforts, resulting in gaining the weight back. They are in the shadows, but once you understand their motivation patterns, you can see how they work in your life and bring them into the light, which will help you make better choices in your wellness journey.
How to start? The Survivor Archetypes
Focus on your survivor archetypes, those within us that help us navigate life's toughest challenges and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. These archetypes are the Victim, the Saboteur, the Prostitute, and the child. Each of us has these survivor archetypes as 4 of our archetypes.
The Victim: Breaking Free from Helplessness
In weight issues, the Victim archetype often manifests as a sense of helplessness. That voice in our heads says, "I can't do it," or "It's too hard." Recognizing this archetype allows us to confront feelings of powerlessness and take charge of our journey. By acknowledging our ability to change, we break free from the Victim's grip and regain control.
The Saboteur: Confronting Self-Sabotage
The Saboteur thrives on self-sabotage, leading us to make poor food choices or skip workouts. Identifying the Saboteur within us involves recognizing self-destructive habits and negative self-talk. By becoming aware of this pattern, we can challenge these thoughts and make conscious, healthier choices, unshackling ourselves from the Saboteur's influence.
The Prostitute: Valuing Self-Worth
Now, let's talk about the Prostitute archetype. In the context of weight struggles, this archetype appears when we compromise our well-being for comfort or fleeting pleasures. It's that extra slice of cake, that hour on the couch instead of at the gym. Recognizing the Prostitute within us means valuing our health and self-worth. It's about saying no to behaviors that don't serve our bodies and minds and yes to choices that nourish us, body and soul.
The Child: Emotional Nourishment in Food
The child archetype is the most complex, and I feel the most important one is understanding how it influences weight and eating behaviors. When we are lonely, stressed, or sad, our inner child might turn to food as a source of comfort. That pint of ice cream isn't just a dessert; it's a hug when feeling down. Those cookies aren't just snacks; they're a way to ease the ache of loneliness. We unknowingly seek the emotional nourishment we might have missed in childhood, trying to fill an emotional void with food. By addressing the emotional needs of our inner child with care and compassion, we can break the cycle of emotional eating.
How to Embrace Your Archetypes
The best way is to look at each one at a time. You can do some reading on each archetype – here is a link to some great videos on archetypes by Caroline Myss. Please start with the one that speaks to you the most, and start asking how it shows up in your life, journal on it, and be curious. Once you feel you have a good understanding of how that archetype shows up in your life, then move on to the next one.
Embracing these archetypes doesn't mean banishing them; it means understanding them. Acknowledging the Victim, Saboteur, Prostitute, and Child within us is the first step toward transformation. It's about reclaiming our power, fostering self-love, making choices that align with our goals and well-being, and finally keeping that weight off for good!