As I watched the playful scamp run around the yard I was inspired. Inspired to let go, to be playful with him. We were running around the tree until someone came and told us to stop. We were on consecrated ground.
My rule follower came out, my playful part retreated, and we stopped.
At Gestalt camp, we explored the parts of ourselves. Who shows up in different situations and how we can be mindful and change which part comes into play when we want to.
Has this ever happened to you? You see a child doing something fun and you want to join them. You’re so close. Then something in your brain kicks in and stops you. This is not the right place. Someone might judge me.
We all have many parts of self. I have struggled for years with the country girl and the woman who wants to be more sophisticated. Mike used to say I had champagne tastes to his beer budget. We had a therapist who often wondered how we got together. It was my country girl who was attracted to him and kept me here.
Some of our parts may be hidden in the shadows. Only coming out when they are beckoned. Other parts are always there like a tape on a loop in your mind. Some lie just below the surface ready at an instance when they feel you need them.
There are times when the shadow parts need to come out. They may need to be tempered down a bit if the situation calls on them. Allow them to come out while being mindful of what they are saying or doing.
Knowing which parts of you come into play in certain situations and whether they are helpful or not leads to a better understanding of yourself.
If you’re in an argument with your significant other which part comes out. Is it unreasonable? Is it understanding of what the other is saying? Is it the best possible part in this situation?
Have you ever had the same argument over and over with someone? You think they are being unreasonable, so your unreasonable part comes out? They think the same and it goes on and on. Do you think it might be better to listen to what they are saying and get a better understanding?
Have you ever corrected a child and felt like you could have handled it better? I’ve been watching my grandkids a lot lately and I get short with them at times. What part of myself can I bring in that would make this better? The one with more patience – they are only two and nine-months. I’m tired and stretched pretty thin and I’m not working at my best capacity.
Taking a look at the parts of yourself can help you to see how you’re showing up in the world and in different circumstances. If you’d like me to help you explore your parts of self, connect with me here.
We all have a kaleidoscope of parts within us. Let your True Colors shine through.
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Onward!
