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
The Stream of Non-Consciousness
The conscious train of thought may appear like a self-propelling stream of consciousness. The reality is different, carrying immense consequences. The image before the thousand words Please read on. The image and a few consequences will become clear by the end of the words. Constructed vs. fundamental reality The horizontal line in the middle schematically Read the full article…
Human Brain: Giant Pattern Recognizer
The human brain does not process information in purely linear ways, like a serial digital computer. Instead of this, many things in the brain happen in parallel and coordinated ways simultaneously at many levels. No serial look-up Leaving any soul-stuff aside, people use(d) to think of the human brain as a kind of giant serial Read the full article…
Sequential Problem Solving with Partial Observability
My goodness! Please hang on. Against all odds, this may get interesting. Besides, it’s about what you do every day, all day long. This is also what many would like A.I. to do for our sake. Even more, it is what artificial intelligence is about. Contrary to this, what is called A.I. these days is Read the full article…