- the ego can disintegrate and synthesize. - complexes are “psychic fragments” that split from consciousness due to trauma or “incompatible tendencies”. - fragmentation from trauma might be caused (in part?) by shock: - [[{1.1c2a} shock disrupts the continuity of one's identity and their understanding of their inner and outer worlds|{2.2a1a} shock is the space between an event and its explanation]] - [[{1.1c2a} shock disrupts the continuity of one's identity and their understanding of their inner and outer worlds]] - fragmentation from “incompatible tendencies” refers to behaviors or beliefs that are incongruent with your self-concept, moral framework, or the [[{1.5a} conscious attitude]] you’ve been conditioned to adopt. - **these fragments distort our interpretation of reality by repeating patterns that develop narratives that prime us to see ourselves and the world a certain way.** ^643b0a - including in seeing our suffering as uniquely affecting or intense. - see [[{1.3d} neurosis is the tension created by self-division and fragmentation]]. - complexes can be framed through the lens of archetypes, but each individual experiences them differently. - when we are not conscious of our complexes – which are often relegated to [[{1.3c} the shadow]] – they feel like a puppet master, or a stranger in the drivers seat of your life or mind. - [[our attitude toward the unconscious will determine how we experience a complex]] - [[{1.3b} complexes are the basis for projections]]