To become whole, we need to recognize that we do not consist of a single “self,” but of several selves. Only in the most advanced of individuals are they in harmony with one another. Instead, they most likely are in constant conflict or competition, not for control so much as for expression. But since one is always the stronger, it becomes dominant, often (if not usually) silencing the others. Our inner conflicts, often entirely subconscious, arise from the silenced selves seeking expression. Our goal is to recognize these selves and reconcile them.

An easy way to think of this is in left and right brain theory, though I believe modern psychology has recognized this as oversimplification and moved on. Still, thinking in terms of right and left makes the conflict one of simple geography of the brain. Personally, in my untrained thinking, I don’t believe these selves arise out of a physical part of the brain (e.g., the left or right lobes, or emotional centers such as those for pleasure or pain or depression). While giving expression to our various selves may stimulate one or more of these centers, I just think we are more complex than that.

Still, I do believe that in the rare individual who truly resolves the conflicts, who manages to bring the selves into harmony with one another, these selves become integrated and disappear.

I do not believe disharmony is existential. It is simply a result of brain complexity, or the complexity of brain function…a paradox in an organ that only seeks one thing: resolution. Therein lies hope, because bringing these selves into harmony with one another is a psychological task, not an existential one. Thus, such resolution is achievable by anyone capable of doing the work.

I’ve been working on it for 25 years. But then, no one said it wound be easy…

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