Rooted in the Present, the Emergence of the Self

Even before we were born, we were bound to the unfinished histories of our parents, of our ancestors, of our society. Like open circuits, the charges of this heritage influence our lives for we cannot cut ourselves off from our roots without losingMoreEven before we were born, we were bound to the unfinished histories of our parents, of our ancestors, of our society. Like open circuits, the charges of this heritage influence our lives for we cannot cut ourselves off from our roots without losing ourselves. These histories replay themselves in some of the difficulties we encounter in our own lives, often programming the same outcomes again and again. The various ways in which we try to protect ourselves from them prevent us from truly being ourselves and living in the present moment. The author approach goes beyond the established cliches. Rather than striving in vain to cut the ties to our origins, we should learn to integrate them, drawing upon traditional wisdom and the Oedipus plays of Sophocles for inspiration. Rather than compounding an all too individualistic and egocentric approach, which can only disconnect us from others, the author proposes reconnecting with our true selves so as to return to, and be rooted in, the essentials of life.