Obstacles Part 3
October 22, 2025
Obstacles Part 2
The word obstacle comes from the Latin root “ob” which means “in front of” and the Latin root “stare” which means “to stand.” So, the word obstacle means “to stand in front of” and thereby “to block,” “thwart,” or “hinder the progress of.”
Sometimes our avoidances, passions, and distractions hold us back and hinder our progress. At times we sabotage ourselves by unconsciously tripping ourselves up. This is a well-known psychological phenomenon called “the Trickster.” A Jungian archetype, the Trickster is the inner clown or jester who turns things upside down by playing tricks on us. But it is an inner stabilization system that happens naturally when we have gone to an unhealthy extreme and are acting unconsciously. The trickster comes from the same energy as the Freudian slip—we say something by mistake, but it is what we really mean but would never say. We are horrified, but it is out there after we say it. The Trickster happens not only with our words but in our actions.
Linda wanted to land a date with Tommy, but she knew she was only using him. She had just lost her love, Sid, who broke her heart, and she was angry. By dating Tommy, a friend of Sid’s, Linda thought she was getting back at Sid. She was sheepish about this calculated use of another person, but she went ahead with her revenge because she was so angry. On the evening Tommy was to pick up Linda for their first date, she stumbled down the steps of her home and twisted her foot. She couldn’t go on the date. Her Trickster was in play here. Linda’s broken foot gave her pause to think about what she was up to. Though the trickster was extreme in the way it literally stopped her in her tracks, Linda took notice. She came to her senses, chose not to use Tommy
If Linda had been conscious of her anger and the things it was pushing her to do, her inner Trickster would not have had to trip her up. But thankfully she awakened to hear and heed the message of her soul.
Spiritual practice: Think of a time when your trickster gave you a much-needed obstacle. Journal about that.
Self-inquiry: What are some reasons that your trickster would try to trip you up?
Prayer: Dear God, Make me conscious. Make me aware. But thank you for my inner guidance that may trick me into seeing my own truths. Amen.
