I've been wondering whether some of my confusion around sense of self in past years might be due to holotropism. I get input from my environment to the point where I feel ultra connected to it--like I'm my surroundings, and they are me. 

Maybe this is why some of the traditional markers of sense of self/self-esteem don't have as much resonance for me as for others. Accomplishments and goals are good, but I get as much of a sense of "self" from sitting on a bench and watching the world go by. I feel pain internally both from my own struggles, and when I see others' pain, it feels like mine, too. My self-esteem doesn't feel "good" or "bad". It feels neutral, like I imagine the self-esteem or a street or riverbank would be. 

Does anyone else here identify with holotropism, in the way I do or differently? Does it affect your experience of sense of self or self-esteem? And whether you are holotropic or not, it would be good to get some other perspectives and I'd appreciate the input.

Share questions:

• Does holotropism affect your experience of sense of self/self-esteem?
• Do some aspects of your sense of self come from your environment?
• Do you have difficulty or discomfort when trying to identify with traditional, individualistic marks of self-esteem like accomplishments and milestones?
• How did you learn about holotropism and do you feel it in other areas of your life as well as self-esteem? How does it add to your self-concept generally?
• Any tips, strategies, or resources that helped you with this topic?
• And anything else to share?