Blind Spots
Have you ever been blindsided by a reaction you didn’t see coming? Just like when driving, life’s blind spots can cause unexpected collisions. When I first learned to drive, I had no understanding of the phrase "blind spot." I didn’t realize that certain areas of the road were blocked from view, no matter how I adjusted the mirrors. Shifting and moving to see one blind spot often created another, like a game of whack-a-mole. Over time, I accepted these blind spots as part of driving and learned to navigate them with caution.
Years later, I discovered another type of blind spot—mental, emotional, and psychological areas that prevent us from seeing ourselves clearly. These hidden zones are often revealed in our closest relationships, which act as mirrors showing us what we’d rather not see. But when faced with feedback, we frequently resist, deflect, reject, or defend. Ironically, our defensiveness often signals that the feedback is touching on a hidden truth. Just like failing to check your mirrors, ignoring emotional blind spots can lead to crashes in our relationships.
One of my clients discovered that her anger towards her sister was negatively impacting her niece. She was upset with her sister for how she treated the niece, yet her own behavior toward her sister was inadvertently causing even more harm to the child she wanted to protect. My client’s voice trembled as she realized her anger, intended to protect, was actually adding to her niece’s distress. This kind of blind spot—where our good intentions are overshadowed by unrecognized emotions—shows how easily we can become entangled in the very dynamics we aim to avoid.
Acknowledging the less desirable aspects of ourselves, often called our "shadow side," is not easy. These are traits we suppress or reject, yet they are vital parts of our psyche. By seeing ourselves fully, flaws and all, we gain compassion not only for ourselves but for others, recognizing that no one acts from their highest self all the time.
Ignoring our shadow doesn’t make it disappear. It leaks out in moments of stress, frustration, or unconscious reaction, often directed at those closest to us. The energy needs an outlet, and we might find ourselves lashing out and then feeling shame afterward, knowing deep down that we’ve acted from a place we’d rather not acknowledge. Or worse, we remain unaware of how our actions affect others, never realizing the impact we leave behind.
This is why I value hypnotherapy and yoga nidra so much. These practices help us uncover our blind spots, allowing us to heal and integrate these hidden aspects of ourselves. They are like tools to adjust our inner mirrors, helping us see what we’ve been missing. Our blind spots have something to teach us—whether it’s an outdated belief or a suppressed emotion. By bringing awareness to these parts, we can avoid unconscious reactions and move towards more conscious, compassionate living.
Our blind spots may never fully disappear, but with awareness, we can learn to navigate them, transforming potential wreckage into opportunities for growth. Next time you feel triggered, pause and ask yourself: what am I not seeing? The answers might surprise you, and just maybe, they’ll guide you to a clearer path.
