Daylight Robbery: Unconscious Patterns That Were Meant to Protect You (And What Happens When You Let the Light In)
- Kirsty Macdonald
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
This weekend I was sitting with my husband outside a Portuguese café in Camden Town, reflecting on something that is central to my work: the unconscious patterns we develop to protect ourselves and how, over time, they can begin to limit us.
As we were enjoying our pastel de nata pastries, chatting and watching the world go by I noticed the London townhouse across from us had its windows bricked up. I knew that there was a window tax for many years in the UK, but not very much about why this came about, so I consulted Google who told me that it was a long-running wealth tax which was applied in the UK from 1696 - 1851. It was highly unpopular amongst the general population as landlords would then rent rooms to the poor without light or ventilation, increasing the unsanitary conditions they were already experiencing.
The phrase ‘daylight robbery’ comes directly from this. Daylight being taken from those who needed it the most. Not intentional, but a painful side-effect nonetheless.
It made me think about how we can unknowingly block our own light, closing ourselves off in ways that once kept us safe, but now keep us stuck. And this got me thinking about the clients I’m working with just now and what they’re going through. So many people are looking for more light. More illumination. More fresh air within what they’re experiencing. More light and inspiration.
How about you?
And as I was pondering this, three important questions arose:
Where in your life might unconscious patterns be creating unintentional harm?
What would benefit from throwing open the windows and letting sunlight in?
And if you were to see this clearly, in bright daylight, what could start to change as a result?
The unconscious mind is working to keep you safe, but often this part of you has taken learning from things long ago in your past and these are now actually causing you harm.
How? It can show up in many ways - feeling stuck, caught in self-sabotage, or noticing emotional patterns that no longer serve you. You might notice being overly reactive - having a ‘disproportionate’ response to what’s going on. Perhaps in fears raising their head or habits and limiting beliefs that are undermining what you say you want to achieve.
It can show up in many ways—feeling stuck, caught in self-sabotage,
So what needs more daylight shone on it?
Pockets of shame, fear, anxiety or worry?
Strategies that need igniting, paths that need to be illuminated to show you the way?
What else?
If you feel called to, journal on this or take these questions for a walk one day this week.
This is the work I do with my clients - helping you recognise unconscious patterns, release what no longer serves you, and create space for clarity, confidence and change.
And from there so much becomes possible.
This is where it all begins.
If something of this resonates or touches you in some way, please feel free to share. I'd love to hear from you. Or if you're curious about working together, feel free to have a look around my website and you're welcome to book a free initial conversation via the contact page, where we can explore what’s possible for you.
Comments