Inner Dissociation – Ego – Total Self
Inner dissociation is a wrongly perceived divide between – more or less – conceptual and subconceptual mental processing. Metaphorically, the dissociation lies between the ego and the total self.
Reality is always more complex.
Functionally
In-depth, of course, the ego is part of the total self.
Moreover, any conscious ego-element is engendered in deeper subconceptual layers (of total self) ― whether it starts here or in the outer world or as a mutual reaction of one to the other.
So, any divide between the ego and the total self can only be functional. In other words, the ‘divide’ points to the dynamic interpretation of a happening, not a static entity. The dissociation is not between two separate things ― yet the result is as if this would be the case.
The basic cognitive illusion – not seeing the functional divide – is an illusion nevertheless, in which mere-ego acts as if there is nothing else but mere-ego within a total person.
Bad consequences
Bad consequences from tensions between the – functionally – dissociated entities are so ubiquitous that I dare say inner dissociation is never OK. It leads to much anticipatory anxiety (distress) and ruminating depression (regret), not to mention aggression between individuals and between groups/societies.
Yet potentially, there is also good involved, depending on how people try to cope with their dissociation.
Humanity’s best
Eventually, the most profoundly beautiful aspects of the human being lie in the ways people may try to cope with their inner dissociation ― this is: toward giving the ego a place in total self where it can be a part of the opening up:
- Accepting one’s flaws ― nevertheless, trying to be a good person.
- Not running away from one’s essential loneliness ― nevertheless, searching for a door to someone else’s loneliness, a lifetime.
- Living as a deeply flawed person ― nevertheless, being confident everything will turn out all right.
- The knowing that obstacles are high ― nevertheless, believing in life’s journey and one’s ability to keep going.
This is mental growth. It can take serious effort ― not easy but meaningful and attractive, especially in a complex reality.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Related Posts
To Not Know — Almost
Everyone is familiar with the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon. This is just one example of almost knowing. One moment, you know it, and then you don’t, or vice versa. This highlights the fascinating interplay between conscious and non-conscious processes in the brain, illustrating the complexity of our mental landscape. These instances together illustrate a continuum from fully Read the full article…
Talking with ‘Dementia’
Communicating with someone navigating cognitive changes, often labeled as ‘dementia,’ can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar landscape. But what if we reframed this condition as ‘altermentia’ — not a diminishment, but a different way of being? Talking with someone experiencing altermentia isn’t about compensating for losses. It’s about discovering new ways to connect, rooted Read the full article…
The Subconscious in Action
Subconscious processing is everywhere. It is the basis of any thought, feeling, action etc. [see: “The Modern Subconscious”] Still, we don’t ‘see’ it in action because it is transparent, in the way that our eyes are transparent when we are looking through them… all the time. The below listing is an enumeration of just a Read the full article…