I find that if I reject the heirarchic model of determinant characteristics and cultivate in its place an idea of equal and peaceful coexistence, I gain a greater awareness of a core self, if you will, which seems able to observe all the characteristics with compassionate dispassion. When I move to subdue any one characteristic, I inflame many more. They all demand to be there, they don't seem to need to be in charge, but each one minds very much when another is in charge.

I hope that doesn't all just seem obtuse, these are abstract kinds of impressions though, aren't they? I like the question you pose and find it enourmously valuable to consider these things. Thanks for posting it.