35. The impact of Consciousness and Unconsciousness on Power and Vulnerable States (or Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States).

In the previous chapter, I wrote about the fact that there is a feedback loop between Power and Vulnerable States, which are influenced by Rationalism and Realism. However, Power and Vulnerable State are not only influenced by Rationalism and Realism.

A very interesting specificity of the Power and Vulnerable States also results from the fact that these States are influenced by both Consciousness and Unconsciousness.

On the Mandala of Characters:
— Consciousness is illustrated by Conscious Triangle,
— and Unconscious is illustrated by Unconscious Triangle.

So we have:
— the influence of Consciousness and Unconsciousness on Power and Vulnerable States,
and vice versa,
— the influence of Power and Vulnerable States on Consciousness and Unconsciousness.

Such interaction of Consciousness and Unconsciousness, as well as Power and Vulnerable States, means that this interaction can manifest itself in various ways. This may explain why Power and Vulnerable States are so specific and complex.

In the Mandala of Characters to symbolize Consciousness and Unconsciousness, I used two triangles. One triangle represents Consciousness, and the other represents Unconsciousness.

Psychic energy is constantly circulating in both in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

In the diagram below, we can see the flow of psychic energy in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle. I illustrated the energy flow with dashed arrows.

So we can see that psychic energy flows between:

• point—“Conscious State”,
• point—“Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, which is on the left side, and
• point—“Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, which is on the right side.

An analogical flow of psychic energy like in the Conscious triangle, there is also in the Unconscious Triangle. I illustrated the energy flow with dashed arrows.

In the diagram above, we can see that in the Unconscious Triangle, psychic energy flows between:

• point—“Unconscious State (Complementary State)”,
• point—“Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, which is on the left side, and
• point—“Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State), which is on in the right side.

Please look at the flow of psychic energy between two points where there are speech bubbles:
— “Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States (Power or Vulnerable States).

Between these two points, we can see four arrows. It is because:

• two of these arrows belong to—Conscious Triangle, and
• other two arrows belong to—Unconscious Triangle.

They are, in a sense, two roads with two lanes. That is, two two-way roads. One road belongs to the Conscious Triangle, and the other belongs to the Unconscious Triangle.

On each of these two roads, energy flows in two directions.

All in all, between two points labeled as:
— “Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States (Power or Vulnerable States)”,
we have two roads located side-by-side. Or also between Conscious and Unconscious Triangles, we have two roads located side-by-side.

And on these two roads, we have psychic energy flow in both directions.

On the other ways between given points in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangles, we have one two-way road.

So, psychic energy is constantly flowing along these roads in both directions.

To show this energy flow between given points in Conscious and Unconscious Triangle I used dashed arrows.

(In the diagram above, I did not mark the energy flow between the Conscious and Unconscious States. I did so because I will talk about communication between Conscious and Unconscious States in the next chapter. And in this chapter, I focus on communication between Power and Vulnerable States).

In conclusion, the above diagram shows:

• Power and Vulnerable State can be influenced by both Consciousness and Unconsciousness.

• Between the points
  —“Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)” we have two parallel two-way roads.
  One road belongs to Consciousness and the other to Unconsciousness.

What follows from this?

One fascinating correlation. That is the relationship, which results from the fact that Power and Vulnerable States are located between Consciousness and Unconsciousness.

For example, if we look at Power State (or Strong Self-Esteem State), it can be, that:
— we consciously strive to have Strong Self-Esteem,
— but, at the same time, our Unconsciousness can cause our Soft Self-Esteem.

From this, it follows that the Unconsciousness can greatly limit or even block the efforts of our Consciousness when it tries to strengthen Self-Esteem.

There may be, of course, the opposite situation, that:
— when our Unconsciousness will boost our Strong Self-Esteem,
— at the same time, our Consciousness will limit Strong Self-Esteem or even effectively stop it.

Therefore, the greatest Strong Self-Esteem State appears when it is supported by both Consciousness and Unconsciousness.

Analogically, like in the case of Strong Self-Esteem State, will be in the case of Soft Self-Esteem State. That is, Soft Self-Esteem State will also be strengthened or limited by both Consciousness or Unconsciousness.

In summary, Strong or Soft Self-Esteem States (Power or Vulnerable State) can be influenced by:

1. Consciousness.
2. Unconsciousness.
3. Consciousness and Unconsciousness at the same time.

Regarding the third possibility, if Strong of Soft Self-Esteem State can be created by Consciousness or Unconsciousness, then, there may also be the situation that the Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State:

• Will be strengthened by Consciousness and weakened by Unconsciousness.

• Will be weakened by Consciousness and strengthened by Unconsciousness.

I can summarize the above relations using tables, for greater clarity:

In general, in Conscious and Unconscious Triangle, Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States can be supported in the following possibilities:

The above cases of relations of Strong or Soft Self-Esteem States and Conscious and Unconscious Triangle I also present on the diagrams.

In the diagram below, I would like to draw attention at the place where there is a border between Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

We can see two black points, which are marked as
— “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”.

One point is on the right, and the other is on the left.

Between these points, we can see that there are four arrows:
— Two of these arrows belong to Conscious Triangle.
— And the other two to Unconscious Triangle.

Above these arrows, I placed the label:
—“connections between Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States”.

As I mentioned above, in a symbolic sense, these are two roads. Each of these roads has two lanes, on which moves psychic energy.

Above I placed the table where I mentioned four possibilities in which Consciousness and Unconsciousness can support Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States.

I think that now it is worth considering how the above possibilities will look in the diagrams.

1. Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State) is supported by Consciousness.

In this case, we have three options. Simply put, Conscious State can support Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State:

1.1. In one direction.
1.2. In other direction.
1.3. Or in both directions at the same time.

Ways through which Strong or Soft Self-Esteem is strengthened, I highlighted with the help of dashed arrows. It means, we can see on these arrows small shaded arrows which are symbolizing the flow of psychic energy on these ways.

1.1. The first option of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem in Conscious Triangle.

In the diagram below, we can see that psychic energy flows in one direction. Symbolically, we can say that energy flows along one lane of the road.

Above we can see that Conscious State:
— directly supports the “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, on the right.

1.2. The second option of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem in Conscious Triangle.

In the diagram below we can see that psychic energy flows in the opposite direction than in the previous option 1.1. Symbolically, we can say that energy moves along the second lane on which energy can move the other way.

Above we can see that Conscious State:
— directly supports the “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, on the left.

1.3. The third option, where supporting of Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State, occurs at the same time in two directions in Conscious Triangle.

The next diagram shows the flow of psychic energy in Conscious Triangle. This flow takes place in both directions. That is, saying symbolically, along two road lines in opposite directions.

Above we can see that Conscious State:
— directly supports both points of “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, on the left and right.

In this way, in the above diagrams, I have presented the formation of Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States in the Conscious Triangle.

Psychic energy can be created by various factors. For example, they can be certain: thoughts, information, statements, sentences, opinions, praises, criticism, assessments, etc. Factors like these may add or reduce Self-Esteem. As a result, every type of character enters into different states. Often these are Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State.

2. Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State) is supported by Unconsciousness.

In the previous point, I talked about options in which Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State is supported in the Conscious Triangle. In this point, I will talk about the options which we have in the Unconscious Triangle.

As in the Conscious Triangle, there are three options in the Unconscious Triangle. It means, Unconscious State may support Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State:

2.1. In one direction.
2.2. In other direction.
2.3. Or in both directions at the same time.

2.1. The first option of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem in Unconscious Triangle.

In the diagram below, we can see that psychic energy flows in one direction in the Unconscious Triangle. Symbolically, we can say that energy flows along one lane of the road.

Above we can see that Unconscious State:
— directly supports the “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, on the left.

2.2. The second option of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State in the Unconscious Triangle.

In the diagram below we can see that psychic energy flows in the opposite direction than in the previous option 2.1. Symbolically, we can say that energy moves along the second lane on which energy can move the other way.

Above we can see that Unconscious State:
— directly supports the “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, on the right.

2.3. The third option, where supporting of Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State, occurs at the same time in two directions in Unconscious Triangle.

The next diagram shows the third option of the flow of psychic energy in the Unconscious Triangle. In this option, energy flows at the same time in two directions. In a sense, energy simultaneously moves on two road lanes.

Above we can see that Unconscious State:
— directly supports both points of “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State)”, on the left and right.

So, in the above diagrams, I presented examples of how can emerge and move Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States in Conscious and Unconscious Triangles.

Psychic energy in Unconscious Triangle arises and flows analogically like in the Conscious Triangle. We can notice these Unconscious energy flow thanks to factors like: various thoughts, visions, fantasies, associations, images, imaginations, etc. These factors flow from the Unconsciousness and they add or reduce the Strong or Soft Self-Esteem.

3. Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State is supported by both Conscious and Unconscious.

In the previous two points, I talked about supporting the Strong or Soft Self-Esteem either in Conscious or in Unconscious Triangle. However, Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State can also be supported by both Consciousness and Unconsciousness at the same time.

There are four options for supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem. It means, Strong or Soft Self-Esteem is simply supported:

3.1. In one direction in Conscious Triangle, and in other direction in Unconscious Triangle.
3.2. In other direction in Conscious Triangle, and in one direction in Unconscious Triangle.
3.3. In one direction, both in Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.
3.4. In other direction, both in Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

3.1. The first option of supporting Strong and Soft Self-Esteem in both Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

The diagram below shows two ways to support Strong or Soft Self-Esteem:

• one in the Conscious Triangle (clockwise),
• and the other in the Unconscious Triangle (counterclockwise).

In this case, there is an interesting situation. It is because:

• indeed, in the Conscious Triangle, psychic energy flows clockwise, but in the Unconscious Triangle—counterclockwise.
• then if we look at the border between the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle, we can see that psychic energy flows in both triangles in one direction.

So, it comes out that the point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the right side on the above diagram, is supported twice. It means psychic energy flows to this point:

• from Conscious State,
• and from Unconscious State.
  Further, indirectly is strengthened the point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the left side in the above diagram. And both in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle. It means, these two psychic energies flow to this point:
• from the point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is located on the right side.

3.2. The second option of supporting Strong and Soft Self-Esteem in both Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

The diagram below shows two ways of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem:

• one in the Conscious Triangle (counterclockwise),
• and the other in the Unconscious Triangle (clockwise).

In this case, there is an analogical situation like in the previous point 3.1. It is because:

• in the Conscious Triangle, psychic energy flows counterclockwise, but in the Unconscious Triangle—clockwise,
• however, if we look at the border between the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle, we can see that psychic energy flows there in both triangles in one direction.

Here we have a reverse situation to the previous point 3.1.

The point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the left side of the above diagram, is supported twice. It means psychic energy flows to this point:

• from Conscious State,
• and from Unconscious State.
  Further, indirectly is strengthened the point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the right side in the above diagram. And both in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle. It means, these two psychic energies flow to this point:
• from the point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is located on the left side.

3.3. The third option of supporting Strong and Soft Self-Esteem in both Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

The diagram below shows two ways of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem:

• one in the Conscious Triangle (clockwise),
• and the other in the Unconscious Triangle (clockwise).

In this case, the situation is different than in previous points 3.1 and 3.2. It is because:

• both in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangles, psychic energy flows clockwise,
• however, if we look at the border between the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle, we can see that psychic energy there flows in opposite directions.

So, it comes out that:

• The point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the right side, is supported by Consciousness.
  Further, indirectly, Consciousness supports also the other point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the left.
• The point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the left side, is supported by Unconsciousness.
  Further, indirectly, Unconsciousness supports also the other point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the right.

3.4. The fourth option of supporting Strong and Soft Self-Esteem in both Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

The diagram below shows the fourth last example of two ways of supporting Strong or Soft Self-Esteem:

• one in the Conscious Triangle (counterclockwise),
• and the other in the Unconscious Triangle (counterclockwise).

In this case, the situation is analogical, like in the previous point 3.3. It means:

• both in the Conscious and Unconscious Triangles, psychic energy flows counterclockwise,
• however, if we look at the border between the Conscious and Unconscious Triangle, we can see that psychic energy there flows in opposite directions.

So, it comes out that now is the reverse situation that in the previous point 3.3. It means, this time:

• The point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the left side, is supported by Consciousness.
  Further, indirectly, Consciousness supports also the other point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the right.
• The point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the right side, is supported by Unconsciousness.
  Further, indirectly, Unconsciousness supports also the other point “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State”, which is on the left.

So, the above diagrams (in points 3.1 to 3.4) illustrate how Strong and Soft Self-Esteem arises through the flow of psychic energy both:

• in the Conscious Triangle,
• and in Unconscious Triangle.

***

Summary

The summary of the above considerations is based on three aspects:

1.

The creation of Strong or Soft Self-Esteem States we can consider in relation to:

• Conscious Triangle,
• Unconscious Triangle,
• and simultaneously in both triangles, that is, in Conscious and Unconscious Triangle.

All in all, it gives us many possibilities for considering the creation of Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States.

Among other things, there can be situations such as:

• Consciousness and Unconsciousness may:
  — either cooperate with each other in creating Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States,
  — or they may act in opposite directions and weaken each other actions.
• Consciousness can create Strong Self-Esteem State, and Unconsciousness can create Soft Self-Esteem State.
• Or vice versa that in the previous point, Consciousness can create Soft Self-Esteem State, and Unconsciousness can create Strong Self-Esteem State.

2.

Each type of character has its own Strong and Soft Self-Esteem in specific places on the Mandala of Characters. The characteristics of the place where the given type has its own Strong, and Soft Self-Esteem States are very helpful in analyzing particular types. The locations of Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States for individual types I listed in the following tables:

First square:

Second square:

Third square:

In the above list, please note that we always have two points between which are created Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States. These are pairs of points that lie opposite each other. For example, in the first square, the points Moist Air and Dry Earth share the area where are created their Strong and Soft Self-Esteem states. These points are also opposite to each other.

We have analogical relationships for all pairs of opposite points. In the Mandala of Characters, we have the following opposing pairs of points:

• Moist Air and Dry Earth,
• Wet Water and Dry Fire,
• Water and Fire,
• Cool Water and Hot Fire,
• Cool Earth and Hot Air,
• Earth and Air.

3.

Important is also specific Rationalism and Realism.

I talked about the types of areas of Rationalism and Realism in the previous chapter.

Specific Rationalism and Realism is based on particular basic psychological functions or adaptive-defensive mechanisms that we can find there, where is created Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State).

***

In the tables above, I listed to which points on the Mandala of Characters particular types of characters move when they are in Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State).

I think it is worth reminding briefly that:

• Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State) may be created:
  — either in one,
  — or in the other,
  — or in two places at once.
• Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State (Power or Vulnerable State) can be influenced by:
  — either Consciousness,
  — or Unconsciousness,
  — or Consciousness and Unconsciousness simultaneously.

And, it is how it looks like my considerations about movement during Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States that I presented in this and the previous chapter.

From the above, probably many of us will be interested in how to strengthen our Strong Self-Esteem State (or our Power State)?

Such interest will probably be strong despite the fact that our psyche strives to keep the balance. And, it is why our psyche is putting us in Soft Self-Esteem State (or Vulnerable State) if Strong Self-Esteem State dominates us too much.

Therefore, it is worth accepting our Soft Self-Esteem (or Vulnerable State) equally with our Strong Self-Esteem State (or Power State). Actually, it is not only worth accepting our Vulnerable State. It is worth consciously use it because it is also very beneficial in our life.

Well, after all, let us come back to the question, how to strengthen our Strong Self-Esteem State?

From the above considerations, it follows that the greatest Strong Self-Esteem is obtained when our Strong Self-Esteem is strengthened by both Consciousness and Unconsciousness. Then, Consciousness and Unconsciousness simultaneously support our Strong Self-Esteem State. They are united in this action.

In these situations, our Strong Self-Esteem State can be very strong.

It has its pros and cons.

The advantages of this can be that:

• We can be very focused on our actions.
• It will be easier for us to achieve our goals.
• We will be more determined and ambitious.
• We will be more convincing in what we say, and in what we do.
• Etc.

The disadvantages can be that:

• We will be too optimistic about our real skills and capabilities;
• We can be too brave, ambitious, daring …, and as a result, we can misjudge the reality around us. For example, we can wrongly assess the people we work with, matters and tasks we deal with, plans we make, and so on.
• We can take a too big risk, which may result in failures, injuries, accidents …
• Etc.

Usually, the strengthening Strong Self-Esteem by both Consciousness and Unconsciousness we welcome with contentment. We just feel more self-confident, and consciously we willingly agree with it. So, we welcome this state with joy.

In general, then, we do not mind. We consciously recognize that it is beneficial for us.

Of course, we usually do not think about it, from where is Strong Self-Esteem flowing to us? When Strong Self-Esteem is coming to us, usually we are just satisfied with it. It is especially at these moments when Strong Self-Esteem is very useful for us.

So, is it worth to recognize whether Strong Self-Esteem is created by our Consciousness or Unconsciousness? Or by Consciousness and Unconsciousness simultaneously? And also, is it worth recognizing whether Strong Self-Esteem is too strong?

I think so. It is because, Strong Self-Esteem is not always useful. In many situations, it can disturb us. Sometimes it can even harm us, as I mentioned above, in the list of examples of disadvantages of too Strong Self-Esteem.

So, it is worth developing a habit of conscious observation of what state we are in at a given moment? Then knowing (or consciously noticing) that our Strong Self-Esteem is too strong, we can modify it with our conscious thoughts. That is, weaken it if it is too strong.

For example:
— I know (I see, notice, and so on) that my Strong Self-Esteem is too strong. Therefore, I will not go too far in this state because I do not want to harm myself or others …

Of course, we are not able to control consciously our psychical states all the time. It is so for reasons such as:

• It is difficult to focus consciously on our psyche for a long time.
• We will not be able to direct our thoughts to the current state of our psyche in every situation.
• Our Unconsciousness still has a bigger or smaller influence on us. This influence of Unconsciousness also reduces the influence of our Consciousness and affects our Strong Self-Esteem.

However, it will indeed be beneficial for us if we, in a sense, switch on our Conscious attention when Strong Self-Esteem reaches a too high level.

Analogically, we can react in the case of Soft Self-Esteem State (or Vulnerable State). That is, in situations when Soft Self-Esteem is reaching a too low level.

Overall, from what I wrote in this and the previous chapter, we can see, that moving between Power and Vulnerable State is very complex.

So, I think, to grasp this complexity, we can treat the Power and Vulnerable States are as a whole.

What does it mean to treat Power and Vulnerable States as a whole?

In the diagram below, I have marked the area that includes Power and Vulnerable States. And this is the area that I think it can be treated as a whole.

In this area, I also put the inscription:
— “connections between states: Strong and Soft Self-Esteem (Power and Vulnerable)”.

Let me remind, that in this model, Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States (Power or Vulnerable States) are not precisely specified. It means they are not located in one point but at two points. Thus, in each of these points, it can be created both Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State.

When we look at the above diagram, actually, we can say that Strong and Soft Self-Esteem states occupy the area located on the border of Conscious and Unconscious Triangles. In short, we can say that is is the area of two Self-Esteems.

In the area of two Self-Esteems there are:

• Strong Self-Esteem State (Power State), and
• Soft Self-Esteem State (Vulnerable State).

For greater clarity, below, I am putting the above two Self-Esteems in the table.

Thus, Strong and Soft Self-Esteem (Power or Vulnerability) move around the Self-Esteem area in various possible ways.

In general, Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States can be considered as a whole. Above, I analyzed two Self-Esteems, that is, Strong and Soft Self-Esteem States. However, we can also say that we have just one two-pole Self-Esteem. And this two-pole Self-Esteem can be: high or low, large or small, heavy or light, strong or vulnerable, hard or sensitive, strong and weak, etc. When we look in this way, two-pole Self-Esteem, we can treat as if it is a kind of scale or range. This range will occur:

• from too Soft Self-Esteem,
• through intermediate states (where Strong and Soft Self-Esteem will be in similar or close to each other),
• to too Strong Self-Esteem.

So, we can actually conclude from this what I wrote above that there is no separate two Self-Esteem States, namely, Strong and Soft. There is one two-pole Self-Esteem that can manifest itself in different ways. It means, be either strong or soft or similar to each other.

However, in the descriptions which I will use in the Mandala of Characters, I will mainly use separate terms. That is, “Strong or Soft Self-Esteem State” or “Power or Vulnerable State”. I think it is more intuitive and easier to understand.