This question intends to shine a light on your blindspots—but are you brave enough to look?
Blindspots, or shadows, are the less flattering parts of ourselves, the things we like to deny. Many people go through life never looking at their damaging habitual characteristics that interrupt their experience of the here and now—instead, choosing to remain blind to certain self-truths to remain comfortable in the familiar and out of the present moment.
Blindspots are the negative characteristics we love pointing out in others, especially those qualities that covertly reflect our own. As a result, we habitually compare ourselves to those around us with a crucial need to emerge victorious. "She's so persnickety," says the person who lines up unkempt shoes at the entryway.
What do other people complain to you about yourself? How do you react to their complaints? Do you defend and deny negative attributes to preserve your image and avoid introspection? Maybe even blame others for "making you" do the offensive behavior?
Consider your blindspots akin to the secrets hidden behind the Great and Powerful Oz's curtain. What do you find when others pull back your curtain?
What are you pretending not to know about yourself?
In my book, Witnessing Grief: Inviting Trauma and Loss to Our Coaching Conversations, an Enneagram Perspective, you can read more about blind spots. Witnessing Grief is available on Amazon.