For example, that the consciousness of the tree is not as specifically focused as our own. To all intents and purposes, however, the tree is conscious of 50 years before and 50 years hence.

In sense of identity spontaneously goes beyond the change of its own form. It has no ego to cut the “I” identification short. Creatures without the compartment of the ego can easily follow their own identities beyond any changes of form. The inner self is aware of this integrity of identity, but the ego focused so securely in physical reality cannot afford this luxury.