The Freedom of Knowing Your Character Defects

Our character defects stick to us through the power of their emotional energy. When we shift the energy to a more desirable emotion, the defect loosens its grip.

Once when I was eating in a restaurant with friends, the water I had ordered was slow to be delivered. To my tablemates, I said something like, "Where is my water?" One of my friends said, "They must not know who you are!"

I laughed as I realized what I was doing, as humility replaced indignation.

I work with some people who say, "Oh, let's not be hard on ourselves. No need to talk about character defects."

I disagree.

When you name it and accept it, it loses its control over you. Then and only then are you free to laugh at yourself and make a different choice.

You write it:  When was the last time you felt ill at ease? What character defect was rearing its ugly head?