I think I may have found something important. Some people may have aspects to themselves that they do not desire to have. Such as recurring negative thoughts. I thought about an idea I read bout. Tulpa's, (sentient solid state thought form (solid in the sense that the thought may persevere or re appear even when not thought about)) and I searched out how one would go about getting rid of a hostile tulpa. http://www.ehow.com/how_8655466_rid-tulpas.html The part I highlighted for myself: "You can also try visualizing the tulpa as disbanding and returning its energy to the universe during sessions." I reasoned that these recurring negative thoughts resemble "solid state thought forms", so I pictured these negative thoughts like a shell, leaving me as if they were no longer a part of me. These negative thoughts r less frequent and less powerful now. I no longer fear negative outcomes like before.
I thought that I may also give myself new qualities which I desire. And that is what I'm currently working on. Visualizing shells of desired qualities coming to me and me becoming them.
Many years ago I placed 'aspects of self' into a mirror as a part of growing up. This included things like the ego's ability to make mountains from molehills which could start a war of sorts.
Many years later the topic of enlightenment met my gaze.
It was one of those ideas you have that are good.
The mirror was destroyed in a volcano and with it those bad things too.
Nice reflection on your post. (Pun not intended this time.)
Keep at it, you'll not regret the outcome.