I think going through all the negative emotions has been really, really useful.
Without them - and being aware of them - you haven't a clue what there is to transcend. It is like emptying your rucksack after a long and messy hike
The term 'polarity' has been mentioned several times and I kind of think this reaching for self-acceptance requires you to hike to your darker pole.
To some extent, I find that there is two of 'me' hovering around. My darling ego is still apt to throw a hissy fit from time to time - but there's another 'me' that is getting the knack of detaching, standing and watching and questioning what the hissy fit is all about
It sure is a long journey