CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN OF DISTINCTIONS
Here we go! Using words as steps on the ladder, you will climb the Mountain of Distinctions. Arriving at the top, you will see that these distinctions bring into existence something that was not there before: an awareness of two different contexts, two different ways of thinking, two different ways of seeing, two different paradigms, and two different selves (the Ego self and the Essential Self).
Speaking simply, words are used to begin the process of distinguishing the two modes of thinking. The meaning will be explored in more detail in later parts of the journey. Let your mind relax and just notice the difference between these aspects of your thinking.
To get the most out of this section read how they are different; then, go slowly over the thinking of the Ego self and then over the thinking the Essential Self. Get the whole picture.
EGO SELF
ESSENTIAL SELF
CONTEXT
Dualistic
Separate
Opposite
- either/or
- right/wrong
- good/bad
- love/hate
Wholistic/holistic
One
No Opposites
- AND
- beyond r/w
- beyond good/bad
- LOVE
PATTERNS OF THINKING
Logical
- rational/reasonable
- judgmental
- hierarchical
- cause/effect
- analytical
- linear
- predictable
Organic
- intuitive
- accepting
- egalitarian
- acausal
- recontextualizing
- nonlinear
- possibility
METAPHORS DESCRIBING DIFFERENCES
- AM radio
- 2-Dimensional
- meaning-making machine
- masculine
- flat land
- trees
- FM radio
- 3-dimensional
- transformational machine
- feminine
- space land
- forest
DIFFERENT WAYS OF BEING
- Competitive
- Argumentative/critical
- Right /winner
- Reasonable/rational
- Judgmental/analytical
- Writer/Participant
- Reacts unconsciously
- Righteous
- Programmed
- Cooperative
- Aware Listener
- Mediator/what works
- Observational
- Accepting
- Transformer of dramas
- Responds consciously
- Beyond Right/Wrong
- Unprogrammed/natural
DIFFERENT Energy/frequency/levels
(on a continuum from)
depression.....negative/positive......excitement
(dependent on circumstance)
peace........joy........enthusiasm
(independent of circumstances)
FOCUS OF Time
past and future .............present
Critical note: Let’s not lose sight of the fact that we need the Egoic thinking patterns. That logical, rational, analytical way of thinking is critical for our survival and extremely useful as a tool. The problem is that the Ego has taken control of our thinking, usurping the Essential mode of thought. We need a shift in management. “Getting” the distinction, Egoic thinking vs Essential thinking, is the first step in creating that shift and, thereby, being able to use Egoic thinking consciously and appropriately as a tool.
Click on Exploring the two modes to get to the next part of the journey.