①⎵③⎵

The growing edge function contains the most vulnerable, subjective, and specialized part of the ego. The block pair contained within is what one believes they must always protect. This function represents the ideal vision that one believes they bring to the world and the frustrations of dealing with the vulnerabilities that threaten this standard. The two blocks below work together to give significance to the concealed part of the self which demands perfection and requires courage to process and present to the world. This function causes the most trouble in our lives on a consistent basis.

Frustration Block
1➔3

Automating Force: This block is what drives the individual to recognize their idealized self and who they wish to be or become. The frustration block is constantly looking for its own version of perfection, while heavily judging anything that does not meet this subjective, ideal standard. The individual adopts this block to act as a barrier that protects their individuality with the threat of consequence to anyone who crosses the line. This concept is what appears the most aggressive from an outside perspective.

Courage Block
3➔1

Restrained Force: This block contains the most fearful part of the ego. There is a sense of existential panic when it comes to imagining others being able to exploit or control the block contained within. The courage block requires bravery to openly express the concept or aspects held within, because the threat of being harmed lies on the other side. Most individuals believe that they must constantly keep this block in check and protect it either through careful, quiet consideration or acting as if it does not bother them in the slightest when interacting with others.

Trap
Entrapment

The ”trap” of the growing edge function is activated when the frustration block becomes disconnected from the courage block through obsession over control, dominance, grandiosity, and a reluctance to self-reflect. This creates an entrapment of the ego, where one believes that they could never be wrong, weak, vulnerable, or taken advantage of. There is a total resistance to growth, change, improvement, or admitting weakness to the self. The individual may have to resort to manipulation, aggressive underhanded tactics, or full-on fraudulence to get their needs met. This creates a false sense of self for the individual where they cannot focus on improvement because it may mean recognizing how the self is vulnerable. The entrapment can manifest as loud and aggressive dominance, or passive-aggressive sneering doubt towards anyone who questions the individual. This is mostly dependent on the individual’s introversion or extroversion levels.

Gift
Liberation

The ”gift” of the growing edge function is activated when both blocks in the function work together to recognize the vulnerability that must be carefully tended to. When the individual purposefully acknowledges their own weak points, they can realize their potential while working through the fears that stop them. The frustrations that arise from needing full control and protection are often relaxed once the individual finds courage to expose themselves to being wrong, less than, weak, or fragile. There is a sense of liberation that one feels when they attempt to better communicate the issues of the third attitude, which in turn provides a more stable sense of self via the first attitude. Once one accepts that negative experiences and feeling powerless are a part of the journey, they can feel freedom to recognize themselves. True relaxation, liberation, and happiness in knowing one’s unique perspective of the world enables an individual to grow from their vulnerabilities.  

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