Stonewalling is a common behavior that occurs in many relationships, but is often ignored or even normalized. However, it can lead to the perpetuation of suffering and conflicts. Understanding this behavior within the context of the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination can help break the cycle of stonewalling.

The Twelve Nidanas provide a framework for understanding the interdependence of all phenomena, including human behavior and relationships. The cycle begins with ignorance, which leads to mental formations and a conditioned response of emotional shutdown during conflicts. This response becomes more entrenched with repetition, ultimately leading to relationship breakdowns.

Breaking this cycle requires a combination of mindfulness and awareness, actively addressing negative patterns, and intentionally choosing more constructive responses to conflict. Educating oneself on healthy communication patterns, recognizing habitual patterns, cultivating awareness of reactions, and practicing mindfulness during conflict can all contribute to overcoming stonewalling.

Through recognizing the roots of stonewalling and proactively addressing them, individuals can develop long-term communication patterns that limit the need for stonewalling. Developing healthy communication habits and behaviors reinforces the positive aspects of past patterns and reduces the karmic tendencies of stonewalling.