{"id":19558,"date":"2023-07-10T07:56:16","date_gmt":"2023-07-10T06:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kennethsorensen.dk\/?p=19558"},"modified":"2026-05-27T14:03:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T13:03:30","slug":"technique-of-substitution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennethsorensen.dk\/en\/technique-of-substitution\/","title":{"rendered":"Technique Of Substitution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Try to give up a habit by sheer effort, and it usually wins. The technique of substitution replaces renunciation with preference, letting energy quietly follow interest toward something better.<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Roberto Assagioli<\/strong>
Lecture, 26 November 1963 [1]<\/span><\/span><\/a>
Doc. #23844, Assagioli Archives, Florence
Original title: Tecnica della Sostituzione<\/em>
Translated and edited with notes by Jan Kuniholm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Editorial Note<\/strong>
The abstract and contextual subtitle in this online edition have been added by the editor, Kenneth S\u00f8rensen, to support readability, navigation, and archival consistency. The original wording has not been altered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Abstract<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In this lecture, Roberto Assagioli describes substitution as the most accessible psychological technique: rather than fighting a habit or attachment, you draw attention toward something appreciated more, and energy follows. He distinguishes horizontal substitution (the mother soothing a tantruming child) from vertical substitution toward higher psycho-spiritual aims. The mechanism is appreciation, interest, and attention; the friction is the pull of the previous object, which yields not to force but to patient repetition until a new habit takes root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

I am now going to talk about the Technique of Substitution. It is one of the most effective, and also one of the relatively easy ones.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I insist on the word \u201crelatively.\u201d This technique has vast applications; indeed, one can say in a certain sense that it can be applied continuously. Not infrequently it is already being used without people’s realizing it. Many have observed that <\/span><\/span>distraction<\/span><\/span><\/em> is a good method.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDistraction\u201d in the etymological sense means \u201cto draw away from,\u201d and to do so requires turning one’s attention elsewhere, to some other thing; this is substitution. There is a French proverb that says in this regard; \u201cThe best way to move is to replace.\u201d <\/span><\/span>[2]<\/span><\/span><\/a> However, as with all other techniques, its occasional, methodical and persistent empirical use has a great deal of efficacy. Its <\/span><\/span>raison d’\u00eatre<\/span><\/span><\/em> , or rather the principle on which it is based, has been formulated as follows: energy follows thought. More precisely, whenever we direct our interest and attention to a given object and keep it fixed on it, this naturally attracts emotional and mental energy and makes it flow, so to speak, in that direction; fixes it on that object.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These energies can come from two sources: the first is the general source of the share of undifferentiated psychic energy in each of us; it is what Jung called <\/span><\/span>libido<\/span><\/span><\/em> , which has no qualitative connotation, unlike \u201clibido\u201d in Freud’s sense. <\/span><\/span>[3]<\/span><\/span><\/a> The other source is that of psychic energy which is already connected to, involved in or fixed on other objects. But that can be drawn away, “distracted” from them, and turned to the new object of interest or attention. A related but suggestive analogy is that of a large reservoir of water having various outflow channels at various heights and of different sizes, that can be opened or closed at will by operable valves. Well, when the valve of a given channel is opened, water naturally flows into it, but for there to be enough, the valves of the other channels must be closed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us now examine in a more definite and precise way the mechanism, the mode of action. As I mentioned, it involves fixing attention on a new topic or object; but the best, easiest and most normal way of fixing attention is to arouse interest. Our attention naturally focuses on what interests us. But interest, in turn, depends on <\/span><\/span>evaluation<\/span><\/span><\/em> ; in other words, <\/span><\/span>appreciation<\/span><\/span><\/em> . So the stages are as follows: to appreciate, to recognize, to feel the value of that towards which one wishes to direct psychic energy. This is continually done unconsciously, empirically and often inconsistently. We continuously face choices and these choices are made on the basis of more or less conscious evaluation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not infrequently, on the part of moralists, there is talk of giving up this or that, but this is only the negative aspect of what it means “to prefer,” and this we have to do all the time, by necessity. Every day, every hour, we have to choose between various activities. One cannot do 24 things at the same time, so among the various choices, we prefer one; that is, we substitute that one for another. This implies, of course, a renunciation of the others, but the emphasis should not be on the renunciation we make, but on the preference we want and must exercise. This is not a matter of words: it is a very important thing: to take a positive attitude, of positive evaluation of what is preferred, instead of keeping one’s attention fixed on what is discarded, and thus with a sense of regret and depletion.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are various types of substitution. A first distinction is between what can be called horizontal substitution and what can be called vertical substitution.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The simplest horizontal substitution is that already mentioned of distraction. Educators, and also many mothers, intuitively use it. When the child throws a tantrum, instead of scolding him, of thwarting him, they cleverly draw his attention to something else. They present him with an object, bring in another person, and thus “distract” him; the child forgets the cause of the tantrum, the thing he was stuck on, and spontaneously turns his attention and interest to the new object presented to him. This can be done at any age, and also towards oneself. In this sense, as in others, we are all partially children. Speaking more scientifically, the unconscious has varied, childlike characteristics, and one can take advantage of this to use and educate it, as one educates a child.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have called “horizontal substitution” something which substitutes objects of interest that are, so to speak, on the same plane, on the same level as the one from which you want to divert attention. I will give examples of this [later].<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vertical substitution, on the other hand, is that which replaces objects [of interest] with those of higher psycho-spiritual value. It in turn can be divided into \u201cascending substitution\u201d and \u201cdescending substitution.\u201d Ascending substitution is the replacement of desire for tangible or personal things with aspiration towards objects of higher spiritual character. Descending substitution, on the other hand, is done from the top down, so to speak. After reaching a higher level of consciousness, a level at the highest level of the soul, then a descending energy is directed; that is, centers, objects of interest, of appreciation, are brought [\u201cdown\u201d] from above, so to speak, to the level of ordinary consciousness. <\/span><\/span>[4]<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is substitution implemented? One can answer: by all means suitable for focusing attention, for keeping the field of consciousness present and alive towards the object which one wants to “charge” with interest. It can be done, first of all, by meditation; that is, by mental consideration of the new object, in which its positive elements are discovered or developed \u2014 its value, usefulness, desirability are increasingly appreciated. It is useful (because it is more effective) to add the visualization of images to this mental or rational process; that is, the use of creative imagination which arouses corresponding feelings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of the will applies in two ways to all techniques: the first way is general, and that is that one must <\/span><\/span>want<\/span><\/span><\/em> to implement it! So the will stands behind all things and is the motive, the central engine, so to speak, of every internal action, of the use of every technique. And the more you want to use a technique, the more energy you arouse in that sense.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there is a more specific use of the will, and that is expressed through \u201caffirmation.\u201d It has been said that affirmation is creative, and actually in the psychic world, to affirm is to create. Again it can be specified here in the sense that the undifferentiated plastic part of our unconscious allows itself to be shaped, influenced, and modified by every affirmation, every assertion; and this occurs automatically, regardless of the intrinsic validity of the affirmation itself. It can be compared to a photograph: when you open the aperture and the light reaches the sensitive film, it is impressed by the image thus transmitted through the lens from outside, indifferently, whether this image is beautiful or ugly. So it is with our unconscious mind. And herein lies the secret of all advertising, political or other propaganda. This subject will be developed more fully when discussing the Affirmation Technique.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other factors that help and enhance Substitution are external reminders; for example, putting images before the eyes. This can often be easier and more comfortable than internal visualization. It is generally anything that can come from the environment that is conducive to the intended purpose. Thus, [one way is] being with people who in some way represent or exemplify the quality, the objective we want to substitute for others. Put yourself in the atmosphere of that objective, by readings and any other suitable and possible way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

C.: That is, to get into a certain psychic atmosphere, to absorb its elements.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RA: PRECISELY. Returning to horizontal substitution, a particular type of this can be called \u201cneutralization.\u201d That is, the substitution with the opposite. For example, hate with love; criticism with appreciation; and so on. Neutralization, not infrequently, is more difficult than substitution with something different in nature from the thing it is intended to replace, but when it succeeds it is particularly effective.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us now briefly examine the obstacles and limitations of this technique. The first obstacle is a certain <\/span><\/span>resistance<\/span><\/span><\/em> that is easy to see. This resistance is of two different kinds: the first could be called \u2014 or depends on \u2014 the degree of fluidity or “viscosity” of psychic energy. This quality is not the same for everyone. There are people in whom psychic energy is very mobile, much more flowing, let’s say like water, and these are the people who have the problem, not so much of directing that psychic energy but of focusing it on the object after it has been directed. There are other people, on the other hand, in whom psychic energy is more “viscous” \u2014 analogous to a heavy oil \u2014 and then it flows more slowly but once it reaches its destination, it stays there more easily. <\/span><\/span>[5]<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other obstacle, which is often the strongest, is the continuing pull of interest in the previous object. Then there occurs not infrequently an oscillation, an alternating current, so to speak, of psychic energy between the new and the old object. In such cases it is advisable not to force the process. Try to implement a gradual substitution by accepting a temporary coexistence of both centers of interest and attention, but increasingly aiming at the new object in all appropriate and effective ways. Of course, this is easy to say and not to implement. There are inevitably ups and downs, conflicts between the old and the new, and consequent crises. These conflicts and crises are much less in the case of the substitution method than they are in the case of the direct struggle against the old tendency, the old center of interest. What can help is the constant, tireless repetition of everything that represents the new object of appreciation and interest. Repetition widens the channel of outflow and inflow, so to speak; it creates a new habit; in physiological terms, it can be said to create new nerve connections, even to the point of conditioned reflexes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, let us examine the relationships and combinations between this technique and the others. Again, these relationships are manifold, natural and one might say inevitable. Some we have already indicated, namely . . . repetition and meditation. A less obvious one is the relationship between substitution and the transmutation and sublimation of energies. <\/span><\/span>[6]<\/span><\/span><\/a> In a sense, it could be said that these are effects of substitution, or that substitution constitutes an effective means of promoting transmutation and sublimation. The new center of appreciation, interest and attention is like a magnet that attracts the forces we wish to transmute and sublimate.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One technique that greatly promotes substitution is that of the Ideal Model. By creating an image of ourselves endowed with the new qualities, that is, the new interests, this ideal image replaces in us the image of what we usually are, and thus creates the bridge, or even better, the center of attraction for psychic energies.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

[1]<\/span><\/span><\/a> A slightly different version of this article appeared in “Information Bulletin of the Institute of Psychosynthesis in Florence,” No. 2 – December 1979. <\/span><\/span>\u2014Ed.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[2]<\/span><\/span><\/a> French: \u201cThe best way to move [something] is to replace [it].\u201d <\/span><\/span>\u2014 Tr.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[3]<\/span><\/span><\/a> Note that Assagioli uses the word “psychic” as an inclusive term derived from the root <\/span><\/span>psyche,<\/span><\/span><\/em> meant to include all mental, psychological, spiritual activity, and not limited to activity related to paranormal phenomena. <\/span><\/span>\u2014 Tr.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[4]<\/span><\/span><\/a> The word \u201ccenter\u201d here is likely to mean \u201ca focal point or area of \u200b\u200battention or energy.\u201d <\/span><\/span>\u2014 Tr.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[5]<\/span><\/span><\/a> At the end of this paragraph in the original typed manuscript, there appeared the words \u201c\u2014 Now I wanted to structure the technique.\u201d This sentence was omitted from the published version, and it is not known what other activities it referred to. <\/span><\/span>-Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6]<\/span><\/span><\/a> “Transmutation and Sublimation of Energies” is the subject of a different talk by Dr. Assagioli. <\/span><\/span>-Oath.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Try to give up a habit by sheer effort, and it usually wins. The technique of substitution replaces renunciation with preference, letting energy quietly follow interest toward something better. By Roberto AssagioliLecture, 26 November 1963 [1]Doc. #23844, Assagioli Archives, FlorenceOriginal title: Tecnica della SostituzioneTranslated and edited with notes by Jan Kuniholm Editorial NoteThe abstract and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":875,"featured_media":19559,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"","tve_custom_css":"","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{},"tcb2_ready":0,"tcb_editor_enabled":0,"tve_landing_page":"","_tve_header":"","_tve_footer":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19558","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-psychosynthesis-and-psychotherapy","entry","override","gs-1","gs-odd","gs-even","gs-featured-content-entry"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Technique of Substitution: Horizontal and Vertical<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What if a craving were a reservoir whose valves you could shift? 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