Defiance takes many forms in our world today. Civil disobedience, road rage, and breaking rules are all forms of defiance. We define defiance as a refusal to obey something or someone. Being against the wishes of others is another form of defiance. I am guilty of questioning authority! (tee hee) At what point does my defiant behavior go too far?
We have a disorder tag for just about everything these days. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is the one that fits this topic. Being overtly defiant is considered a behavior disorder. We observe the behavior as hostility toward authority figures. Symptoms include a persistent pattern of anger, aggression, spite, and resentment. A chaotic home life is an environmental factor that contributes to the disorder. Mistreatment, neglect, and inconsistent parenting are also contributing factors. Genetics can play a part as well.
Many people develop the behavior in childhood, but some take the issue into adulthood. Experts estimate that 10% of all adults have the condition. Personality disorders, addictions, and mental illness are progressions of ODD.
I’m curious about how defiance leads to self-sabotage. What happens spiritually when there is an unwillingness to comply? Is there rebellion toward the higher authority within? There are always limitations that can hold you back, but are the barriers real? When does the spirit turn against the psyche to create a self-defeating mechanism? Too many questions mean it’s time to turn up the volume on a whisper:
The source of defiance is the human will, and the location is the human spirit. When the spirit is wounded, behavior adapts into an amplified reaction to a threat. Since the authority figure represents a threat to personal sovereignty, aggression manifests. The Higher Self can step into the role of the authority, creating an inner struggle. Balance is lost when the struggle moves beyond the limits of core virtues.
Defiance becomes entangled with survival through trauma bonding. With a blocked Solar Plexus, anger comes to the surface from deep within. A need to control can lead to illusions and some form of detachment from reality. Trauma becomes the voice of aggression, and the spirit exerts free will. Expressions of defiance can be powerful. A pattern forms out of the instability of a system that has lost regulation.
The family unit is the ultimate source for healing. Each member must be willing to take responsibility for their actions. Otherwise, it will be the spiritual tribe that will bring the healing energy. Acceptance is the energy that must surround a troubled person. An environment that offers safety will let love in to heal the heart.
Tendency toward anger and aggression melts under the weight of radical love. This is a love so big there are no limits or conditions. True conditions of love awaken the spirit with light. Break the pattern of defiance by speaking of your needs. It’s okay to ask for verbal recognition. Seek out your spiritual tribe and discover how it feels to be seen. Leave the negative environment to release limitations. Find positive change through an environment filled with love.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“If a grasshopper tries to fight a lawnmower, one may admire his courage but not his judgement.”
Robert A. Heinlein
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