Games
Repeating, unconscious patterns of interaction that keep you stuck in familiar dynamics — played below awareness until brought to light.
- Term
- Games
- Category
- Advanced Concept
- Related Concepts
- Life Scripts, Defense Mechanisms, Projection, Identification, Codependency, Awareness
- Level
- Intermediate
What Games Mean
Games are unconscious, repeating patterns of interaction that keep you stuck in familiar dynamics. Based on the work of Eric Berne (Transactional Analysis) and observed in Maya Mandala's practice, games are not played for fun — they are played to confirm old beliefs, to avoid intimacy, and to maintain the familiar. Common games include "Why does this always happen to me," "I am only trying to help you," and "Now I have got you, you son of a bitch." The way out is not to play better — it is to become aware that you are playing.
In Simple Terms
Games are unconscious patterns of interaction that keep repeating. They are not fun — they are familiar, and familiarity feels safe even when it hurts.
What This Means for Your Practice
- they are unconscious — you do not know you are playing
- they confirm beliefs — games produce the outcome you expect from life
- they avoid intimacy — games keep real connection at a distance
- they require a partner — games need someone to play along
- awareness ends them — when you see the game, you can stop playing.
Common Misconceptions
These 'games' are something people do on purpose, or for fun
They are framed as unconscious patterns — not played knowingly, and not enjoyable despite the name.
You can stop a game just by deciding to, without seeing it first
Awareness of the pattern is framed as the necessary first step — seeing the game is what allows it to end.
Related Concepts
In Maya Mandala's Self-Discovery Dictionary, this concept connects to other terms:
Related Articles
Read more on the Maya Mandala blog:
The Takeaway
You cannot stop playing a game you do not know you are in. Awareness is the only way out.
What pattern in your interactions with others keeps producing the same disappointing result?
No need to answer. Just notice what arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are games in simple terms?
Unconscious, repeating patterns of interaction that keep you stuck in familiar dynamics.
Are games always negative?
They are not malicious — they are automatic. But they limit freedom and authentic connection.
How do I know what games I play?
Look at what keeps repeating in your relationships — that is your game.
How does Maya Mandala work with games?
Through awareness and body practices — games are held in the body as tension and pattern.
Can games ever be useful?
They were useful once — as survival strategies. The goal is to outgrow them, not to shame them.
Programs for Deep Inner Work
Practices that help you approach this topic with awareness.
Unfolding Your Abilities
Developing awareness, intuition, and the ability to see the whole picture.
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Mandala Dance. Level 1
A retreat exploring embodied movement, presence, and creative expression through Maya's signature Mandala Dance method.
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