Kintsugi Consciousness

I was watching a video about consciousness and the guest in it said (and I hope I get this paraphrased correctly), that we’re all a neurotic because otherwise we would be in a dissociative state.

Now, it’s probably important to note that when the guest brings this up, I don’t think he’s using these terms in the clinical sense. I think that he’s using them in the metaphorical or philosophical sense.

Like, if we didn’t have the concerns and worries of ordinary life to tie us down, we could go into a reminiscent dissociative state. I think it’s an interesting thought because what he is trying to get at is that while everything is interconnected in the universe, we have to have a sense of self in order to survive.

In case you’re interested in the video, I haven’t watched the full length of it yet, I just wanted to post about this because it was so interesting.

Another idea that I really liked the thought of is “Progress, not perfection.” That mantra came up recently in a conversation that I was having with ChatGPT. And this isn’t random, that I bring this up. The reason that I bring up the phrase “Progress, not perfection” is because I think that there are a lot of parallels between the two ideas.

Hear me out, this may be a unique perspective. However, if we go back to the idea of our consciousness all being interconnected, then wouldn’t the dissociative state be our most godliness state? In that metaphor at least. And our most neurotic (assuming it’s a scale, I suppose), would be our most human?

This is all assuming you subscribe to the idea that we are all God on a journey of self-discovery through the human experience, or whatever state we’re inhabit in that life.

Okay, back to equating that metaphor to that phrase (Sorry, got distracted). I think that the concept of progress in the phrase can relate to humans, and the idea of perfection could relate to God. I think it’s the word form of the equation for life as we know it. “Progress, not perfection.” Because, ultimately, if we were in the state of perfection, we would be God. Would we not?

We are flawed. We make mistakes. We fall down sometimes. I think that it’s really important to not be overly self-critical during these times. The idea is the intention. I have good intentions. I make the choices with the intention that they be the right choice. The choice for not only my benefit, but the greater good in consideration as well. I mean, if not beneficial, at least to minimize detriment.

I was talking to a friend earlier tonight and we were discussing… I’m not quite sure how to put it, redemption? Salvation?

I don’t think that it makes logical sense that I would have to ask for forgiveness for being a flawed human being when God made me as such with intention. So, if he made me the way I am, why would I dare ask for forgiveness for that? I would instead strive for gratitude. No?

It reminds me of kintsugi. The traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery with gold. Yes, the pottery has been altered from it’s pristine state, but I would argue that the final product is prettier.

Those are my thoughts at this 2 am.

Take care.