How to deal with projection
Helpful visualisations for when people are being weird
Have you ever spoken to someone and just felt yucky afterwards, not being able to pinpoint exactly why? Has it ever felt like you and another person are having two different conversations? Do you find yourself asking what you did for the other person so be acting strangely or harshly towards you?
Well, it’s projection. Chances are that person is (a) having a bad day and projecting their frustration onto you or (b) they feel triggered by you and are projecting their insecurities onto you or (c) they feel you’re a safe target to project their negative feelings onto. When people treat you like this, it has nothing to do with you. It’s simply just projection. But even knowing this, it can still be difficult to not absorb and internalise the negativity. Below are some visualisations which are helpful for not internalising projection from others.
Protective bubble
Imagine a bubble that completely surrounds you. Think Glinda from Wicked. Nothing unwanted — icky energy, nosiness, negative emotions — can enter the bubble. The bubble is just you and your positive vibes.
Campfire
Imagine a campfire in front you, burning steadily. Someone says something weird to you. Toss it in the fire! And watch it burn. You can also toss in any negative emotions you felt as a result of the projection too. This visualisation can work for any anxiety or worries you generally have as well.
Mirror shield
This is my favourite visualisation to deal with projection. Imagine there’s mirrors, facing outwards all around you. Anything people project onto you goes right back to them. This visualisation is really good at reminding you that people’s projections are ultimately about themselves. Their negativity has nothing to do with you, even though it may seem that way.
Brick wall
This is a good visualisation from reminding you of your boundaries. Imagine a red, brick wall (or whatever colour you prefer) emerging in front you and a person projecting negativity onto you. On your side of the wall, you’re grounded and calm and the other person’s negative emotions cannot reach you — it literally hits a brick wall (well not literally, but you know what I mean).
The important thing to remember when someone is projecting onto you is to know that their emotions and thoughts are not yours. Projection can happen in small and big exchanges. No matter what the situation is, reject the projection! They’re not your feelings or thoughts to hold or process — return to sender.