Lets use the example of a person experiencing unassertiveness to illustrate the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination.
1. Ignorance (avijja): The person lacks understanding of their true nature and inherent worthiness to express themselves.
2. Mental formations (sankhara): Due to ignorance, the person has formed habitual patterns of avoiding conflict by not asserting themselves.
3. Consciousness (viññana): The persons consciousness is conditioned by these mental formations, leading to a lack of confidence in asserting oneself.
4. Name and form (nama-rupa): The persons body and mind manifest in a way that is prone to not asserting oneself.
5. The six sense bases (salayatana): The persons sense organs interact with the external world, perceiving situations where they might need to assert themselves.
6. Contact (phassa): The person encounters a situation where they should express themselves, but fear or self-doubt prevents them from doing so.
7. Feeling (vedana): The person experiences an unpleasant feeling as a result of not asserting themselves, leading to feelings of powerlessness.
8. Craving (tanha): The person craves avoiding conflict and feeling comfortable, leading to continued avoidance of asserting themselves.
9. Clinging (upadana): The persons attachment to avoidance and fear of conflict intensifies, leading to further unassertiveness.
10. Becoming (bhava): This clinging to avoiding conflict reinforces the persons habitual patterns and karmic tendencies, perpetuating the cycle of unassertiveness.
11. Birth (jati): The persons unassertiveness manifests in the form of missed opportunities and feelings of powerlessness, further reinforcing their mental formations.
12. Old age and death (jara-marana): Continued unaddressed unassertiveness can lead to negative consequences and suffering in future situations or even future lives, perpetuating the cycle of unassertiveness.
In this example, we can see how the Twelve Nidanas apply to the arising and perpetuation of unassertiveness. By understanding the dependent origination of unassertiveness and recognizing the interdependence of the Twelve Links, a person can cultivate self-awareness and work towards breaking the cycle of unassertiveness, ultimately leading to greater empowerment and confidence.

How to break cycle at each point:

To break the cycle of unassertiveness in each point of the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination, one can:

1. Ignorance (avijja): Recognize and understand that one has a right to express themselves and communicate their needs and feelings. Educate oneself on assertiveness and communication skills.

2. Mental formations (sankhara): Cultivate positive mental habits and new patterns of thought that reinforce assertiveness and communication. This can involve pausing before responding in a conflict situation or using positive affirmations to encourage self-confidence.

3. Consciousness (vijnana): Practice mindfulness and introspection to observe and understand how ones mental formations and lack of assertiveness affect their consciousness. This can involve observing ones thoughts and reactions in conflict situations.

4. Name and form (nama-rupa): Take action to change ones physical and mental constitution, such as through exercise, diet, or therapy. These changes can bolster self-confidence and feelings of empowerment.

5. The six sense bases (salayatana): Pay attention to situations where assertiveness is needed and practice assertive communication. This can involve setting boundaries, saying no, or expressing oneself openly and honestly.

6. Contact (phassa): Approach conflict situations with curiosity and openness instead of defensiveness or avoidance. This can involve practicing active listening and seeking to understand the other persons point of view.

7. Feeling (vedana): Recognize and acknowledge unpleasant feelings that arise through assertiveness, and work to reframe them as positive opportunities for growth and change.

8. Craving (tanha): Replace the craving for comfort with a desire for growth and empowerment through assertiveness.

9. Clinging (upadana): Let go of attachment to comfort and avoidance, and embrace assertiveness as a path towards greater personal growth.

10. Becoming (bhava): Cultivate new karmic tendencies and patterns of thought that reinforce assertiveness and communication.

11. Birth (jati): Embrace assertiveness in daily life and actively seek out opportunities to practice.

12. Old age and death (jara-marana): Experience greater personal growth and empowerment as a result of breaking the cycle of unassertiveness, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.