Who are You?: The Paradoxical Nature of Ego Identity
Master Balinese mask maker Ida Bagus Anom Suryawan © 2004 Larry Cammarata
The ego does not exist as an objective entity. It functions as a process—a process that has been fabricated by a nonexistent ego. An ego identity is therefore inherently paradoxical; it’s predicated upon a fixed ‘thing’ that does not exist as an independent entity in the world of so-called objective reality. The ego projects an image that’s often taken to be the ‘real self’. Identifying with the apparent solidity of this illusion we call the self can have real consequences in the context of our relationships, emotional wellbeing, and physical health.
The Error of Reification
The error of reification occurs when we mistake a process for a thing. A process is dynamic, while a thing is static. Attending to the experiential process otherwise known as self—without identifying with it—can be liberating. And you can peacefully, even playfully call out those potential identifications. For example, when worried, you can think or say, “My worried self is visiting” or simply, “Worry is here”—recognizing that worry is not who ‘you’ are; worry is an impermanent process that’s passing through the mind and will ultimately take leave when it’s ready to depart. You don’t have to suppress or otherwise try to control the worry; treat it peacefully without making it into your best friend and worry will move along in its own time. You are not worry, anger, doubt, stress, sadness, confusion or any other emotional process, although you can certainly experience them without denying their impact.
So What?
So what’s the use of knowing that you’re not what you’re experiencing, or to put it bluntly—you’re not who you think you are? In a word…“freedom.” Freedom from the limitations imposed by thoughts and emotions can cultivate psychological flexibility to support you in being more present-centered, accepting, and satisfied through living life in accordance with your values.
The Question
A Zen master once asked her disciple to answer the proverbial question, “Who are you?” Without hesitation, the disciple spontaneously replied to the question with laughter. The Zen master joined in the laughter, fully expressing the radiant joy of selflessness.
And the question for you, dear reader, is…Who are you?
© 2024 Larry Cammarata, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Mindfulness Educator
Mindfulness Travels provides continuing education retreats to beautiful, inspiring places throughout the world with leaders in the fields of mindfulness-based psychology, process-based therapy, and mindful movement.