Inklings Bruce Sanguin's blog

Forgiveness is a powerful word. It’s often held up as the key to freedom, the cornerstone of healing. But let’s be honest—too often, the call to forgive becomes a shortcut, bypassing the deep work of grieving mistreatment. True forgiveness isn’t about pretending the pain didn’t happen. It’s not a spiritual Band-Aid slapped over a wound … Read more

Introduction: What Is the Trauma Signature? The Trauma Signature, also known as the Trauma Self, Survivor Self, Trying Self, Performative Self, or simply “ego,” is the self-protective construct we develop to shield ourselves from the pain of past wounds. It is the result of Core Unconscious Beliefs (CUBs) and Compensating Actions and Beliefs (CABs) that … Read more

Introduction: What Is the Heart Self Signature? Just as we each carry a unique trauma signature shaped by our past experiences, fears, and limiting beliefs, we also possess a Heart Self Signature—the blueprint of our true, authentic self. While the trauma signature reflects survival patterns and self-protection, the Heart Self Signature embodies our natural, spontaneous, … Read more

Introduction: What Is Fawning? When we think of stress or danger, responses like “fight,” “flight,” or “freeze” often come to mind. But there’s a lesser-known trauma response that’s deeply tied to people-pleasing: fawning. Coined by psychotherapist Pete Walker, fawning describes the compulsion to appease others as a way to ensure safety and avoid conflict. It’s … Read more

Introduction: What Are Core Unconscious Beliefs? Core Unconscious Beliefs (CUBs) are deeply ingrained, often negative assumptions we hold about ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs are formed early in life, usually as a result of trauma, neglect, or challenging experiences. Because they operate at a subconscious level, they often dictate our thoughts, emotions, and … Read more

“I consider many adults (including myself) are or have been, more or less, in a hypnotic trance, induced in early infancy: we remain in this state – when we dead awaken, as Ibsen has one of his characters say – we shall find that we have never lived.”—R.D. Laing R.D. Laing’s words about the trance … Read more