Shackles of the projected self

The trick of the mind here lies in our biases, the “lenses” that we see life through. We are incapable of seeing reality accurately. We think we see reality just fine. How many times have you seen someone being out of control in one way or another, but they have been completely adamant in claiming that it is the outside world that is the problem? This also means that we cannot see ourselves clearly. Though, once you can accept this - that we cannot see reality - you will realize that we are incapable of seeing where we are, as individuals, in relation to objective reality. And not just our personal, subjective versions of reality.

You have been — and are — that person as well. In one way or another. In greater or lesser degree. Why are we so convinced that we are not the issue? The answer lies in our minds. Our minds are more than willing to keep that illusion up. It’s not in the best interest of the species for its members to stop and analyze reality accurately. It would not be energy efficient to do so. By nature, it’s in the best interest of the species for us to function in reality just well and long enough to survive, multiply and help our offspring do the same. For that, you don't need to see reality in its fullest, a biased mind is perfectly adequate. The mind did not evolve for the purpose of individuals reaching divinity, enlightenment or transcendence. It evolved for the survival of the species as a whole. Sadly, these biases are in the way of higher levels of consciousness.

I know reading this might rouse an emotional response and that is completely okay. It is our projected self trying to protect itself. As it thinks it is in danger of dissolving. It thinks that if it lets go of all the fake stories that it holds dear, it will seize to exit. This however is not true.

Seeing through the projections

Then, how can we even begin our journey towards self-actualization if we cannot trust our minds, cannot see where we are or see where we are going? The answer is triangulation. I believe consciousness emerged as a side product of more complex and differentiated systems of the mind observing each other. Consciousness is a form of triangulation. This is also how we can escape the remaining shackles of our minds. The shackles that keep us from utilizing our minds as we see fit, for creating happiness. Or rather from realising that we are at our core happiness, love and compassion themselves.

If there are indeed great differences in people’s personalities, if one is different from another, but we are incapable of seeing what our preferences or personalities are actually like, how are we to build upon and apply the learnings and practices of those who came before? How are we going to triangulate, locate the minds current location in relation to reality? How do we achieve this without going the wrong way? How can we find practices that can help all kinds of people? This is where — in my opinion — personality psychology and personality systems can come in very handy. More on this later.

Call to action

If at this point you feel like what I’m writing about is complete crap and that you know yourself and that you see reality just fine. Good. That means that you are who this blog is primarily meant for.

I know most will call these writings nonsense, woo-woo or crazy talk and go back to their unconscious lives, happily forgetting anything they have read here. But perhaps at least one person will answer their call to action. Those who have been bashing their heads against reality, expecting it to move at our whim and finally gotten tired of it. Those who feel like there is more to life, but can't quite put their finger on it. This is it. This is the sign you have been looking for.

It takes about two years to get on the path of growth mindset for good. Why not start today? All it takes is to listen to your soul, your inner Self, the parts of you that you have suppressed since you were a child. Find a friend to talk to about this, a spiritual community online that speaks to you, go to a local meditation group or find a therapist. All these are valid ways to start. The most important thing is that you decide for yourself and for yourself only that you want to be the best version of yourself and that you will not let your ego stand in the way.

If you really understand what I’ve written so far, you are already on the path and most definitely further along than most people. I’m hoping that this blog will contain further useful advice or practices later on for you to utilize and to get further on your journey to individuation.

- J.M.J. Rapids