From the author: this and other stories are here In this text, I will share some thoughts about the peculiarities of the Ego function within the framework of the idea of ​​Self theory. First, let's define the terminology. The concept of Self is a specific concept of Gestalt therapy. Self is not synonymous with the concept of selfhood in the psychoanalytic concept - it is not some essential core that is the result of early identifications, but rather a process of their appropriation. Self has its own structure, which is not fixed, but arises only in the process of contact, therefore it is better to talk about the functions of Self than about its parts. Self is a set of processes that ensure the contact of the organism with the environment. This is that unique style of interaction of an individual with his environment, which, in the here-and-now moment, determines his intentionality and inclusion, marks his going beyond the boundaries of individuality and his readiness to acquire new experience. Self consists of the following functions. The Id function is responsible for manifestations of physicality. We know that any mental phenomena begin in the body; a person is immersed in a continuous flow of undifferentiated bodily sensations, from which the figure of need is subsequently formed. Personality connects a single experience received by the Id function into a coherent picture and is its result, that is, a more or less integral identity. Here we observe not just the well-known binary opposition between the emotional-sensual pole and the cognitive one. Through the relationship of Id and Personality, it becomes clear that not everything that has happened can be assimilated as experience and not everything that can become experience is open to. That is, these two functions have the ability to mutually influence. The most mysterious of this trinity is the Ego function. In the traditional sense, it is understood as the function of choice, or making a decision about what is good and what is bad, that is, consistently identifying and disidentifying with those objects of the environment that are suitable for satisfying the needs of Id. In other words, the subject navigates his environment using the Ego function, which is a kind of compass arrow pointing in the right direction. Moreover, if the compass needle is always oriented to the north, then in the psychic compass, which makes a conscious choice, the north can be anywhere. In other words, conscious choice is not always adequate and, moreover, final. This understanding of the work of the Ego function as a consistent comparison of the need with what the world can offer in order to select the most relevant answer from its diversity is well suited for describing simple decisions - which cup will I drink from today: red no, black no, yellow yes - but completely unsuitable for anything more complex, especially if it concerns a neurotic situation. That is, a choice that needs to take into account two opposing tendencies, one of which is also unconscious. As a result, we can observe a situation where conscious choice not only does not bring satisfaction, but is also a source of mental suffering, since consciously choosing does not mean supporting exactly this. Therefore, here I want to make a small but important note. Ego is not a choice function, it is a function of recognizing a choice that has already been made within the Id function. In other words, the choice is always made unconsciously. Just as awareness of a need occurs at the end of the precontact phase, so a choice is made before the Ego function begins to work. Which actually either allows you to understand how this choice was made or, in the worst case, comes up with a new choice that is not related to the immediate need. We don't choose what we want, but we discover what we already want. A simple thought experiment can be used to illustrate this idea. We've all tossed a coin at least once in our lives to make a choice..