Existence

2nd trimester → 3 months

Where a basic imprint of one’s right to exist and sense of being alive is formed, from womb life, birth and early infancy. In an adult, the disruptions from this stage can manifest as either a withdrawal from connection and a strong mental life, or as an anxiousness about possible loss of connection to others and a strong emotional energy.

Developmental themes

Existence
Spirituality/Physical Being
Sensations/Emotions
Contact – physically, emotionally, energetically
The ‘Me’ (including reflexes)/ the ‘I’ (Ego)
Rhythm & Matching
Experience of contact/experience of oneself without contact
Mirroring

Early position

Mental

General attributes

Dissociation – Splits into head & thoughts; schizoid
Child felt unwanted/threatened by annihilation
Feels connected to others through thoughts
Avoids physical/emotional contact; becomes “emotionally absent”
Existential Terror/Rage of annihilation at the core (holding deep)
Fear of fragmentation
Feels isolated
Make energetic contact
Thinks philosophically
Tends to depersonalize
“I am not enough.”

Physical attributes

Energy is drawn to the bones
Eyes unfocused, looking into distance
Takes up little space
Uncoordinated when moving

Needs to learn

To feel body, emotions and concretize understanding
Build capacity for emotional closeness

Late position

Emotional

General attributes

Flight toward life – Splits into body & emotions
Child felt secure at one point, but now, no longer feels wanted
Sense of having lost paradise, and of desperately wanting to regain it
Child flings itself toward intense contact and high emotional charge in an attempt to ensure it’s own continued existence, and that of the world
Feels connected to other through emotions
Clings to emotional contact/expression
Becomes activated when conflict is sensed
Insists on emotional contact
Feels lonely
Tends to personalize
“I am too much.”

Physical attributes

Energy is located around bones and skin, but lacking in the muscle layers in-between
Skin looks flushed or has a more reddish hue due to increased blood flow to the skin
Eyes are focused, fixed on foreground and background simultaneously
Their energy takes up a lot of space
Powerful activity in their movement

Needs to learn

Accept and appreciate contact without powerful emotions
Distinguish between reality and intuitions by precisely naming their feelings and emotions

Healthy resolution

Existence

Secure Being: Happy to Exist - As a child, she felt wanted, accepted, protected, and secure. As she grows up, she has a lust for life, and can integrate thoughts and feelings. Her energy moves freely in her body, and her head and body are experienced as a coherent wholeness. She enjoys contact and enjoys being alone. She has integrated creativity and sensitivity with emotional energy and presence.

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