The Inner Fortress: Embracing Self-Preservation

When something alien appears on our path, our inner self activates an astonishing self-preservation mechanism. Instead of actively opposing the intrusion, it prefers to retreat inward, thereby creating an invisible yet incredibly strong barrier through which external influences cannot penetrate. This reaction is not an act of fleeing but a well-thought-out defense strategy, where preserving the integrity of the self becomes a priority.

In this process, one can observe how the inner self-event begins to recognize its vulnerability while simultaneously gaining strength. Such an inner retreat not only protects personal space from direct encroachment but also provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one's true experiences. The pursuit of inner balance and protection against external threats transforms into a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth, as every facet of our "self" becomes conscious and resilient to outside influence.

In summary, it can be said that this very strategy of inner self-defense helps us remain true to ourselves. It is not merely a response to external pressure, but a deliberate act that preserves the uniqueness and strength of our inner world amidst constant challenges.

How do you react to attempts by outsiders to intrude into your inner "self"?

In responding to attempts of external intervention into the inner self, it can be said that the inner essence reacts defensively, distancing itself and retreating inward. In other words, when something alien tries to penetrate the space of the self-event, the response is not an active counterattack against the external incursion, but rather a careful withdrawal inward that helps to protect the integrity of the inner world. This is illustrated in the reflection, noting that "My self experiences a fear of a very peculiar, eminent kind – the fear of inner inadequacy; it seems to retreat inward – and it is precisely because of this that it first perceives itself as an inner self-event; it locks itself in to defend itself from attack" (source: 1267_6334.txt).

This mechanism prevents a direct and total external takeover of the inner space, as the "boundary" between the self and the external world is established precisely through such an inner retreat, where external influences cannot penetrate deeper than the protection afforded by inner integrity (source: 1267_6334.txt).

Supporting citation(s):
"My self experiences a fear of a very peculiar, eminent kind – the fear of inner inadequacy; it seems to retreat inward – and it is precisely because of this that it first perceives itself as an inner self-event; it locks itself in to defend itself from attack." (source: 1267_6334.txt)

"Since, in this latter case, it is in relation to something utterly foreign to it, existing on a completely different level, the boundary here is not as distinctly recognized as a limitation; ... it locks itself in to defend itself from attack." (source: 1267_6334.txt)