Our two selves
As it turns out, there are two selves that evolve in our experience. Each is a distinct energy field organized by beliefs and values capable of directing consciousness and behavior for their respective beliefs and values.
One self we’ll call self A is the appreciative self. It uses consciousness to notice what we have, what we can do, what we like and want, what’s working, and why. It believes that everything is connected - that all is part of the same field of seamless and indivisible energy. Self A values happiness, transparency, collaboration, compassion, connection, inclusion, curiosity, simplicity, and mobility.
The other self we’ll call self D is the deficiency self. It uses consciousness to notice what we don’t have, what we can’t do, what we don’t like, don’t want, what’s not working, and why. It believes that everything is separated - a field of energy divided into self and other. Self D values unhappiness, non-disclosure, competition, criticism, complaints, resistance, control, certainty, being right, defensiveness, conformity and complexity.
In social networks, Self A looks for ways to be connected and to connect people; Self D prefers isolation and acting as a bottleneck. A shares from abundance; D hoards from deficiency.
Self-trust and trust of others is the domain of self A, not self D. Self D cannot see the capabilities of self or others clearly enough to have trust or confidence.
Each self directs all overt and subtle aspects of behavior, from choice of actions, how we spend our time, the focus of our conversations, down to our posture, breathing, tone and non-verbals.
For self A to grow in power and possibility, it must learn how to transition from self D. Any successful transition begins with non-judgmental noticing of D at work. This frees consciousness from self D. Self D can only be engaged to the degree that it has consciousness available to it. As soon as self A is engaged, self D disappears and loses power.
Self A transcends problems with its abundance perspective. That’s why its passion is responsibility and freedom. Which self we experience is entirely our choice.
*This piece is directly inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth”, Tim Gallwey’s “Inner Game of Work” and my “Appreciative Leadership”- all 2005 releases
January 10th, 2006 20:58
Sometimes it is so easy to see the dark side and when we are under its spell we also attract broken people around us. I find that I have a dream life which often illustrates this double self and expresses a real sense of humor in telling me some truth. I often wake up and smile thinking back on my dreams and realizing that I am trying to bring the message to the surface by playing with words. I guess I might be easly amuse since it always cracks me up.
January 10th, 2006 22:12
There is a long tradition in zen buddhism that people discover amazing humor when waking up.