Our Many Selves

Our Many Selves

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
~ Walt Whitman

Multiplicity

It is the nature of the human mind to be subdivided into parts. We all have them.  We are born with them.  Carl Jung referred to them as archetypes.  Others refer to them as subpersonalities, aspects, thoughts or feelings.  These can have specific ages, temperaments, talents, strengths and desires.

Parts exist from birth, either in potential or in actuality. All parts are valuable and want to play constructive inner roles.  They came into being honestly (often as a response to the environment) and will gratefully return to preferred roles once they are reassured that it is safe to do so. 

Polarization

Many past or current events can affect the balance and harmony of a person’s internal world. The most common of these influences include family attitudes and interactions, as well as traumatic experiences. Parts develop and take over to protect the Self by taking on burdens. When this happens the internal system gets out of whack and parts become polarized.

Thankfully even highly polarized systems can heal themselves in a safe, caring environment.  One such place is in therapy where a compassionate therapist can help point the person back to their true Self.

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