According to Yoga Sutra 1.4, “Vṛtti-sārūpyam itaratra”, Patanjali explains that in the absence of self-realization, the individual tends to identify with the fluctuations of the mind. This means that when we are not established in our true nature, we get caught up in thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, mistaking them for who we really are. https://medium.com/@yogkulam84/understanding-yoga-sutra-1-4-7689b0479953