Gosh! I forgot to address this observation:

An interesting question, or thought, is how much Keenan's method of observing from an objective POV might be related to a body's automatic strategy of depersonalization as a result of severe trauma and abuse.

An interesting question indeed! 😊

As you know, in depersonalization the sense of detachment is both from one’s body and thoughts. In Keenas’s case, based on what I read on his book, I dare to say that the fact he was aware of that detachment, and trying to understand his emotions, might indicate that was more a coping strategy than a consequence of the trauma/cronic stress per se.

Although, what might also have happened is that he felt that way in hindsight. But,when it actually happened it was more of a depersonalization process than a mindful one.