Feeling Trapped? Create Psychological Spaciousness

At times, life can feel like it’s closing in: The pressure intensifies, options shrink, and the walls seem to be closing with no way out but down.

I liken this feeling to the famous Star Wars scene in which Luke, Leia, and Han are trapped in a garbage compactor with the walls pressing in on them. While they miraculously escape that trap, the larger story eventually reveals a deeper truth: Luke’s greatest battle isn’t with Darth Vader; it’s with himself. Once he embraces his inner strength, he finds the power to prevail.

Like Luke, our real prison is often a construct of the mind. In the film Life is Beautiful, the protagonist refuses to let his physical imprisonment confine his spirit. His story reminds us that even when external circumstances feel limiting, we have the power to shift our internal reality.

Breaking Mental Barriers

The walls you feel pressing in may actually be an invitation—an opportunity to break through limiting beliefs and discover new possibilities. Ask yourself:

• If I were my own greatest hero, what would I do, say, or feel?
• If I rejected smallness and fully embraced my deepest truth, how would I show up in the world?
• Who would I become if I stopped accepting “stuck” as my reality?

These are powerful thought experiments, but transformation isn’t just about thinking differently; it’s about acting differently. That’s where things can get uncomfortable. Our ego, designed to keep us safe, often resists change. It prefers the familiar, even if that means staying small. But when the ego takes over, it can become our prison.

Finding Balance Between Fear and Growth

The key is not to eliminate fear but to build a healthier relationship with it. I’ve found it helpful to engage in a dialogue with the part of me that feels scared, angry, or unsure. This part of me is like my inner child—sometimes as young as two years old—still holding onto old wounds and protective beliefs that no longer serve me.

When I listen with compassion, I can ask:

• What’s upsetting you?
• What do you need?
• How can I support you?

As my adult self, I offer reassurance, wisdom, and love. This process allows me to honor my fears without letting them control me. When my inner child feels safe, I gain access to a deeper truth—one that empowers me to reclaim my perspective and autonomy.

Expanding Your Inner Space

No matter what is happening externally, I can provide myself with comfort, clarity, and inner spaciousness. This doesn’t just help me stay grounded; it also increases the likelihood that I’ll navigate challenges more effectively. With my cognitive, emotional, and intuitive resources intact, I have the best possible chance for the best possible outcome.

There are no guarantees in life, but this approach allows me to find peace and even gratitude. If I feel trapped, it’s often because I’m giving away my power or limiting my own perspective. When I break down those inner walls, new possibilities emerge—including a stronger, wiser version of myself.