As you might have already surmised, by the name of my practice, I kind of have a “thing” for Greek mythology. I suppose it only fitting that I tell you the tale of how Narcissists came to be, or at least were introduced into the Psyche of the modern world.
Narcissus , was a hunter in Greek Mythology. He was best known for his exquisite physical beauty. He surrounded himself with all things beautiful. Ironically, he showed disdain for all those who loved him , and some even committed suicide to prove their unrelenting devotion to him . He was gazing at his reflection in a pool of water , and fell in love with his own image . Surely, this is the stuff of legend , right ?
Narcissus is the genesis of the term Narcissist, a fracture in the psyche , and fixation with oneself . What became of Narcissus , you ask? well, the long and short of it , is that he enraged the Goddess, Aphrodite, after spurning Echo, the mountain Nymph. As punishment, Aphrodite saw fit to have him fall in love with his own image , in a pool of water .
So bewitched was he by his own loveliness, he did not recognize himself in his reflection, and unable to tear himself away , he was transformed into a gold and white flower by the Goddess herself.
Alanis Morissette, the clever Canadian feminist songstress , offers this insightful quip from her song with the same moniker:
“Dear egotist boy, you’ve never really had to suffer any consequence, you’ve never stayed with anyone longer than ten minutes, You’d never understand anyone showing resistance”.
“Dear popular boy, I know you’re used to getting everything so easily, a stranger to the concept of reciprocity, people honor boys like you in this society “…
“and any talk of selflessness,
and any talk of working at this
and any talk of being of service,
leaves you running for the door”
why, why do I try to help you when you really don’t want me to ?”
Just like Echo ( the empath ) pursuing Narcissus got burned, so did Alanis , and so do many of us .
