Nature's Disappearing Act - Identification

Identification is a state wherein we spend most of our waking hours. We lose our identity in the object or subject of our observations, opinions, thoughts and emotions. Psychologically, we literally disappear.

The house cat is an example. The locked gaze of the cat's attention in the direction of its prey, whether mouse or toy, is what we experience when we engage our attention on any given subject or object. The state may be less or more intense. Without self-remembering, we lose our identity.

"I see through my eyes not with them." ~ William Blake

Looking at an impression, something as grand as a work of art or as mundane as a coffee cup on the counter, without self-remembering, our identity is lost in the impression. Other impressions, audio, sense of smell, sensations of the surrounding environment become dulled. Attention is directed only on the object of our gaze to the exclusion of all else.

The problem also arises when we express an opinion or thought - especially if someone expresses the opposite. Again, we lose our identity and identify with the conversation. This goes both ways as well, when someone expresses an opinion or thought that we don't agree with. We identify with it and oftentimes, immediately express an opposite opinion because we believe we're right - which may be, but more often than not, this is how arguments begin.

The quotation by William Blake sums up how he experienced his external and internal world. Counterpoint to Blake's observation, the image accompanying this post of the gamblers, depicts what happens when we're identified with our own or others' opinions and actions.

“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.” ~ Leonardo Da Vinci Now that we’ve written and read posts on identification, let’s experiment. The next time you offer an opinion and someone contradicts you - even if you’re right, say “I had not thought about it in this way, I completely agree with you.” And be quiet. No need to justify your position. Likewise, if someone offers an opinion you disagree with in any way, simply say “I completely agree with you.”.

Keep this aim for a week and reply to this post with your observations.

Charles R

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