Nor ought one to make funny comments in the presence of a traffic cop or burp in Church or Library. One had better firmly, for the moment, adopt an S.O. framework and abide with its distinctions. Identifications are not an ever fixed thing, ever. This, I am delighted to add, is well handled by the habit systems family of structures, once and after most of the confusions are settled, considerably assisted or handicapped by work done there during childhood. Evelyn Underhill, in her book on mysticism, mentions the desert experience, already touched on in para 3 above.
Any crisis can also be an opportunity for growth.
Other instances that will remain private altogether, also contribute. Again others still, quite incongenial, also remain not mentioned. But they all contribute. I like my mental garden tidy but must allow some weeds and infertile patches. Again in horticulating one's tree or changing the house one early built, the past becomes less and less significant and an ever present present more so.