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|    Fluidity of the Self:   |
| A Philosophical Reflection |
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The concept of the self has been pondered for many centuries, whether we are doomed to be a specific way for all time or change constantly like the ebb and flow of the tide. Often times it is the perception that we are a solid, singular being that has varying levels of malleability depending on the person, but I offer another perspective, that of a fluid. Fluids have different properties than that of a solid, most notable of which is fluidity as that will be the topic of these thoughts. We define ourselves rather than allowing other individuals we interact with, granting us true control over our own path and how we wish to exist. We will discuss what it means to be a fluid, how your container is shaped, and what composition of fluids you might be.

First, allow us to ponder what kind of fluid we are. Viscosity is a major player in learning more about ourselves and how quick we are to alter ourselves. Are you more viscous like honey, which clings to the shaped container and is slow to depart the bonds made, or are you like water that flows naturally at any changes presented to fill the container? Most of us are not at these extremes, but somewhere upon the spectrum, which requires introspection to discern more about ourselves. Reflection upon the self and being honest with yourself can be difficult at times, other feelings or mental states can deceive us and lead us astray to end with the wrong self image. If your fluid-self is quite viscous then you might find change difficult and a slow process, maybe wondering as to why change just doesn't come naturally to you and feelings of hopelessness may manifest. Perhaps it isn't quite your inability to change, but a desire to remain as you are and struggle against the change in environment you find yourself in. Change can be a difficult process, and often terrifying as it leads to things unknown, and being forced to leave the comforts of what you've known. Regardless, reflect and find your place, do you welcome change, abhor it, or even a combination? Only you can answer this question.

Secondly, a discussion of your container is important as well. While the definition of your container could be considered your physical body, and thus shaped by means out of your control, our definition shall be as follows: A container is the shape of our mental image that we perceive versus the shape that others assign to us from expectation. No matter who we are, there will always be the struggle in balancing who we want to be, and who our peers demand we be. This means that we have our container to satisfy our own whims and desires, that must fit within the shape of society and its standards. So long as your fluid-self is able to fill your container, there will be a happiness and sense of peace with yourself, knowing that despite the strife and expectations, you are satisfied with your own being. Societal shape can be formed from laws, expectations, or other pressures that take a solid block and chisel a cast for you to fill, as if to decide who you are and how to perceive your own self. Let us ponder the egg of a chicken, only a fluid within the societal shape as a building block. Over time that fluid finds the container it wishes to fill and takes shape, thus the yolk transforms and fills the shape of the chick, before being brought forth into our perception for us to behold.

Finding the balance between a societal shape and our own container is the hardest task we have when in the pursuit of self fulfillment and appeasing our own desires and outlook upon the existence we are granted. The cast carved out is a good start point when finding yourself in the Basin, as most of us traveled through the Portal of Fate to arrive here with nothing more than a muddied mind and even more muddled memories. Being given an outline to work with can be a positive experience, and should be embraced, but only as a starting point. These casts that are made are only to shape you in the ideals of what is believed and practiced, not the final product. The shape of your container is the work of art you produce from the base materials. Much like a talented hand can create a blank figurine, it takes an inspired individual with a vision to make it resemble that of another being entirely to the most minute detail. What is the shape you desire your container to be?

Lastly, we pursue the mastery of our self-fluid and come to realize that we are not just a solitary fluid to fill our ideal container. Nay, we are many fluids that do not mix and remain separated. Though it is possible for a being to consist of only a single fluid, that is rather rare, as we as beings find certain things easier to accommodate than others. The fluid-self of the mind may be so thick that it appears solid, never wavering from the foundations it was built upon and a true zealot of those ways, while their fluid-self of the body might be like mercury that flows freely while still clinging lightly to the prior shape. There are a plethora of fluid states and viscosity levels that we can be, and there truly are no wrong combinations, as a correct one is decided by the self at the time defined by the goals and aspirations they set.

In conclusion, I offer to instead perceive yourself as a fluid of change, fast or slow, and always aim to shape and fill the container that you desire. The pursuit of happiness and enlightenment is often a traversal of the mind, dodging obstacles that we set for ourselves, whether by insecurities or the unknown in our existence, and strive forward. May you be true to yourself and find the answers to the questions you pose, and most importantly, may you define yourself that is perfect for you, and for no one else.