Inklings Bruce Sanguin's blog

Introduction: What Are Compensating Actions and Beliefs (CABs)?To understand people pleasing we need to understand the roots of people pleasing and how ego is formed. The foundation of ego—the self-protective construct we rely on to navigate the world—is shaped by what I call Compensating Actions and Beliefs (CABs). These are the behaviors, thought patterns, and … Read more

Your brain is a prediction machine. In his book The Experience Machine, Andy Clark describes how our brains work not only by receiving sensory information but by actively predicting what we’ll experience. This isn’t just a mental shortcut—it’s how we organize the world. But here’s the kicker: when negative Core Unconscious Beliefs are in play, … Read more

Forgiveness is a powerful word. It’s often held up as the key to freedom—the cornerstone of healing. But the truth about forgiveness is that too often it is a shortcut. It can be little more than spiritual bypassing the deep work of grieving mistreatment. That’s why grieving comes first when it comes to forgiveness. When … 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: Fawning Is the Compulsion to appease others Fawning is the compulsion to appease others. 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, is a survival mechanism that prioritizes … 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