Hello, I’m Renée Valentina and this is Musing Interruptus. A podcast meant for sharing thoughts, stories, enjoying idiomatic phrases and words in general. You can read along; the transcript is in the description of this episode. The idiomatic phrases are in italics. Try to get the meaning from the context and then look them up to see if you were right. If you like it, share it, but more importantly, continue the conversation. Today, Defending the Mechanisms.
Have you ever noticed how people go around life? Driving around in metal boxes, crossing the street, some with a purpose, others just going through the motions. A seemingly endless choreography to the chaotic sounds of the surroundings. I wonder about the reasons behind people’s actions and reactions. I listen to their tones, what is said between lines, what is overtly said, and the silences. Always listen for the silences. If you only listen to what is said, you miss out on the rest of the story. The thing is the way we listen and what we hear is filtered by our own life experiences, traumas, and defense mechanisms. So, instead of worrying too much about that, I’ve decided to turn into the skid and just enjoy all our defense mechanisms. For what it’s worth, they are all great, I mean, they allow us to get through the hard stuff, although some are more fun than others.
Take projection, narrating the fears, insecurities, the perceptions of who we are to other people. Mirror mirror on the wall, who is in pain, most of all?? So that one is no fun. And if you are careless enough, people get hurt. Seems like a defense going on offense situation.
Denial is great. Just keep going as if nothing is falling apart. That didn’t just happen or Everything is fine, we are all fine, I’m fine. So, that one is not much fun either. It is more like facing a brick wall. If you remember the Labyrinth (the Jennifer Connolly and Bowie movie), there are ways to get through in and around the walls.
Compensation. Ok, this is great for the person on the other side of compensation. That goes without saying. Feeling guilty? Ashamed? Go in the absolute opposite direction and throw money, gifts, attention, protection. Over protection… of course, if you think a little about what is on the opposite side, what is being compensated for, then, you might not feel too great about it. Still, seems like a win -win situation, at first glance. But really, it is important to pay attention to what is being compensated for. Kindness can go a long way.
Repression is denial’s older sibling. A little more hard core, a little tougher, considering that what is being repressed is actively living inside. Festering. The person doing the repressing may not be aware of what is oozing, all over everything in their lives. A bucket and sponges might be helpful.
I think all types of defense mechanisms are interesting. But when it comes to regression… Seems like it is something hard to come back from, if you get what I mean.
Rationalization and Intellectualization, these are my favorites… right daddy? Over intellectualize, scrutinize, explain it until it becomes illogical to emotionally react. I can talk myself into and out of pretty much anything. Or so I’ve made myself believe.
Displacement. As a teacher I am constantly on the other side of this one. Although all defense mechanisms deserve to be identified, as they serve as an alert to be little softer, more understanding and patient. This one can be endearing. Continue reading

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