The last part you explained about gaslighting is illuminating. I see that happening in my field. When I feel the impulse to push through some boundary and take active steps towards it, I feel this gaslighting either comes from within or from someone external who I trust very much and is on the path. It comes on a truth which could be, "to be in the flow is to be effortless" but would offer something like - "Are you efforting? Don't be hard on yourself; take it easy." It plays on self-doubt and a questioning of the step taken. I see this is undermining, even though it seems caring and comforting on the surface. It's difficult to see when we are quite empathic and diplomatic. I feel someone who has developed enough stoicism would easily see through this.

Vimal 🙏