I agree with the first sentence, disagree with the second. We learn to disavow our critical thinking, to invalidate our intuition (as others in our early environment do) and to overlook some obvious realities that contradict what the people in powerful positions are saying because it is SAFER. We learn to do it when we are little and not so sure of ourselves, and give our power away in order to keep our alliance with the people in power, and their goodwill.

It becomes a habit.

Then, when we grown up, it can be very, very tough to find. Especially if and when we are all alone with our intuition, critical thinking, and observation of the realities. That can be very, very scary. And uncertain.

I, for one, "grounded" myself in the authorities and ideas, and it's been very, very tough to get my own grounding back. Plus I don't want to be all, all alone, which accepting my own power seems to imply. Though I'm testing that proposition a lot these days. Who wants to be around an old woman who has given her power away, anyway? She will necessarily want some of yours, as part of the bargain, like the one she made with the people in power years ago. Only they are all dead now, anyway.

Hm. . .maybe that's what I did with my therapists?