Chapter 23: Shaman, Heal Thyself

We hear a lot about self-esteem and self-image. We have entire sections of the bookstore devoted to self-help. We may uproot our lives to go “find ourselves.”

Theoretically, our “self” is that part of us that tells us what we believe we are capable of—and not—thus creating a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Also, the “self-made man” we hear of.

But what is the self? I would argue - nothing but a composite of stories added to the predisposition of personality.

As a concept, a reflection, even a perspective of consciousness, there is nothing materially real to our “self.” The hard science folks agree—our “self” cannot be found. If we are only a combination of brain synapses creating ideas and images that project themselves into our selves… sounds like a scam, doesn’t it...