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
Self-Congruence in Education
What if education focused less on what we pour into students, and more on what grows from within them? This blog explores how self-congruence – inner alignment between layers of the self – can transform learning from accumulation to deep personal becoming. Especially in universities, this shift may be essential. The facts are important, but Read the full article…
Grief
This text is a somewhat objectified gauge of the depths of grief. Within this understanding, one may hopefully also better grasp it emotionally. Sure it hurts. Don’t let this text make it hurt less but, perhaps, differently. Impermanence of being Grieving over a deceased loved one is principally grieving over loss. The loved one has Read the full article…
Can Cruelty Be Coached?
Most people assume cruelty must be fought, punished, or suppressed. It’s seen as something fundamentally bad, a moral failing that must be eradicated. But what if cruelty is a symptom — an outward expression of inner fragmentation, fear, or unprocessed suffering? Coaching is not about enforcing change but inviting transformation. It works through insight, deep Read the full article…