Narcissus: The Body Of "His Majesty"

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

In their discussion of the "narcissistic" nature, bioenergetic orientation analysts have identified two types of bodily expression. An upward-moving narcissist is characterized by a weakness in the development of the lower body while overdeveloping a kind of "bloatedness" in the upper body. This body type is believed to reflect a narcissistic development in which an unstable and weak base supports excessive strength, willpower and desire for achievement. This confirms the insightful observation of A., who was “fortunate enough” to work under the supervision of a narcissist. A. recalled that she saw her future employer, with clear signs of narcissism, "walking down a dark corridor, the light from a window at the end of the corridor illuminated his strangely disproportionate figure: his thin and crooked legs looked like wheels from a child's bicycle that roll a bulldozer." This body type reflects the development of the narcissist, in which an unstable and weak base (legs) supports strength, perseverance and desire for achievement (torso).

In turn, the "narcissist-chameleon" does not show any obvious changes in the physical structure, presenting to the world rather a mask of a false self.

Often, the narcissistic character also demonstrates tension and spasm in the diaphragm, which inhibits free breathing and often makes breathing shallow, which does not allow the voice of the body and its feelings. Elevated shoulders and significant tension in the shoulder girdle are often symbolic of the narcissistic “brilliant task accomplishment” corresponding to the manipulation and expectations of the parents. Tension in the neck is common, holding back the flow of feelings from the body to the head. The narcissistic personality often suffers from muscle tension at the base of the skull and in the region of the eye sockets. This blockade is associated with a narcissistic unwillingness to see the real situation in the family. In a newer meaning, the block in the eye area does not allow us to really see in others real human beings who can move away from us, and allows us to see in others only objects for our own reward and manipulation.

Many bioenergy analysts have noticed that the eyes of a narcissistic personality are deceiving and bewitching and / or express suspicion. Both of these options correspond to this person's fear of possible use and adaptation based on the use of others in order to protect against what she herself fears.

Individuals with severe narcissistic impairments did not receive sufficient parental care when they needed support and care. Parents who contributed to the emergence of narcissism often do not perceive their children as real living human beings. This leads to a kind of unreality that determines object relations and a way of relating to reality, which is the ideal ground for the development of purely narcissistic forms of adaptation.