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However, I guess for me it is possible to be aware of my self-image without being "attached" to it.
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In that case I might ask, what relevance does this image have then?
If there is something you want this image to be, or want it not to be, you are attached to it in that sense.
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And, truthfully, we all have an "image" we are presenting to the world ~ whether that is one of "professional business-person" or "hippie" or anything else. We ARE constantly presenting our image of ourself to others. Aren't we?
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Not necessarily. "Hippie", "Business person" or any other image are only
interpretations; therefore they are functions of the observer. The image you think you are presenting will never match the one others perceive, because they will interpret it differently. Others will almost always form an image of you, but that is none of your concern. Trying to ensure that they have a particular interpretation of who you are is exhausting and pointless.
Only when you refrain from interpreting your own image can you become unattached from it. You can wear what you want, act how you want, say what you want and leave the interpretations to others.
When you do this, suddenly a thousand things that were on your mind disappear. What others think ceases to matter. There is no embarrassment or self-consciousness. No social fear or intimidation. The implications of living this way are huge, and the benefits are far greater than having even a flawless self-image.