Posted by Jakeman on July 26, 2006, at 22:47:45
In reply to Identity? Is this about finding yourself?, posted by Declan on July 25, 2006, at 19:18:49
Interesting thread, here's my take.
Early on we develop an ego self to deal with the world. It's there to help us survive and pass on our genes. Eventually it becomes our persona, our face that we present to the world. It's very much needed, but it's also where neurosis gets ingrained. For example if you got bit by a dog as a child, you may be afraid of dogs the rest of your life.
But beneath that there is the deep or inner self. Buddhists may call it our Buddha nature. If you are not living in accordance with your inner self, symptoms appear. It could be depression, insomnia, addiction. Sometimes messages from the deep self come in our dreams. Most people ignore the deep self until mid-life. They may discover then that the ego's accomplishments, like a good job and recognition, leave them feeling empty and they start searching. Others settle.
The deep self is always pushing us to grow up into full realization of our potential as human beings. To find joy. The Jungians call it individuation but it's not always an easy path.
Many guys I know feel this energy come up in their late 40's and quell it with alchohol and watching sports.
So what is your identity? It's more than learned behavior and ego. It's beyond that.
enough for now, Jake.
> I think that Buddhists and other knowledgeable types say that egos are just fictional entities. Some of you would have had the feeling of engulfment, when you can't say no and your will is taken over.
>
> A lot of my problems (if problems they be) come from an invuluntary desire to merge. (This is sounding like William Burroughs, as in 'Declan just schlooped into someone else'.)
>
> A second's thought provides the psychodynamic thingo...recreating the absent mother-child bond. But anyway, that's just me....but identity?
> I was once diagnosed as having a lack of identity. This was true insofar as I would find myself talking in other people's voices, which is going too far for community standards.
>
> I wish I had something more to say. Anyone else got stuff to say on the subject of identity?
>
> I shall close with those beautiful words from the old Communion Service...'That we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us'
>
> Declan
poster:Jakeman
thread:670464
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/esteem/20060725/msgs/670937.html