To help you explore and find a visualization of your protector that resonates with you, enabling a more personalized and meaningful interaction during your Waji sessions.
Visualizing your protector makes an abstract concept more tangible, allowing you to connect with this part of yourself in a way that feels real and manageable. By choosing a visualization that feels “right” to you, you create a more concrete image of your protector, making it easier to acknowledge, understand, and dialogue with during Waji sessions. This visualization helps give you a sense of control over how you respond to your protector’s actions.
Here are some popular ways to visualize the protector, along with examples to illustrate each type. As you read, see if any of these approaches resonate with you or inspire your own visualization.
Some people picture their protector as a protective object, like a wall, shield, or bubble. This object serves as a barrier between you and potential harm, symbolizing a form of protection while also highlighting any separation it creates from the outside world.
Another approach is to think of the protector as a character or figure within you. This could be an inner child, an inner critic, or a wise guardian. Giving it a name or a voice can help you interact with it in a compassionate and understanding way.
Visualizing the protector as an animal or instinctive force helps some people connect with the primal, protective aspect of their responses. A guard dog, lion, or other strong creature embodying vigilance and strength might resonate here.
For some, the protector isn’t a visual image but rather a physical sensation, like a knot in the stomach, tension in the shoulders, or tightness in the chest. This physical response serves as a cue, signaling when the protector is activated.
If you’re not sure how to visualize your protector, here are some tips to guide you:
Pay Attention to Physical Sensations: When you’re triggered, where do you feel it in your body? Does it feel like a weight on your shoulders, a knot in your stomach, or tightness in your chest? These physical cues can provide hints about your protector’s form.
Consider What Comes to Mind: When you think of a protector, does any specific character, place, or object come to mind? Perhaps you imagine a strong shield, a vigilant guardian, or even a younger version of yourself who needed protection.
Experiment with Metaphors: Think creatively—there’s no wrong way to visualize your protector, only what feels meaningful to you. Consider different metaphors or symbols until you find one that resonates.
Below are examples of how others visualize their protector. These may help inspire your own unique approach to understanding and interacting with this part of yourself:
Jamie’s Shadowed Hallway
Jamie’s protector takes the form of a dark, shadowed hallway—a space that requires caution and alertness. This visualization reminds Jamie of times when vigilance felt necessary for safety, symbolizing a lingering need to stay guarded, even in safe environments.
Jen’s Bubble
Jen’s protector appears as a bubble surrounding her, insulating her from potential criticism or judgment. While this bubble keeps her safe, it also creates a barrier to genuine connection and engagement with others.
Rob’s Gut Feeling
Rob’s protector manifests as a tightness in his gut, a visceral feeling he interprets as a signal to pause, check in, and assess for potential triggers. This physical sensation helps him stay grounded and aware of his protector’s presence.
Tinkerbell the Protector
For some, the protector appears as a small but fierce figure like Tinkerbell—quick to react, protective, and always on alert for potential threats. This image captures a playful yet vigilant presence that guards against harm, even if it sometimes overreacts to perceived dangers.
The Inner Critic
The Inner Critic is a common visualization for the protector, often personified as a critical voice that points out flaws or warns of potential failure. While it can be harsh, understanding this critic as a protective part can help you approach it with compassion, seeing it as a well-meaning figure trying to prevent disappointment or rejection.
The Guard Dog
Some people imagine their protector as a guard dog—loyal, strong, and always watching for signs of trouble. This protector is alert, ready to bark or defend if it senses danger, but may sometimes be too reactive, barking at harmless situations. Visualizing the protector as a dog can bring a sense of loyalty and strength, making it easier to recognize and appreciate its intention to protect, even when it isn’t needed.
These examples provide a variety of ways to envision the protector, from abstract sensations to vivid characters. There’s no single “right” way to visualize your protector—only the approach that resonates most with you. Allow yourself to experiment, and remember that this visualization can evolve as you continue on your Waji journey.