Self leadership a deep dive: the essence of healing and transformation
Each of us is a mosaic of parts, but at the center lies an untainted essence that can heal and lead…
In my last journal post, I dove into the symbiotic relationship between deep transformational coaching and the Internal Family Systems model and their link to Self-leadership. It seemed logical to do a deep dive into the concept of Self-leadership next and here I am, taking the first step in this direction.
The quest for self-understanding is as old as humanity itself. From ancient philosophers to modern therapists, the exploration of the internal landscape has always been a fascinating and often controversial subject.
Among many different approaches, one has resonated deeply with me in my work and personal journey: the Internal Family Systems model introduced by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. His groundbreaking approach to mental health revealed that within our psyche lie multiple "parts" or sub-personalities. Yet at the center is the individual's true essence, the "Self." This innate core, unblemished by life's traumas, stands as the ultimate healer, leader, and harmonizer of our inner world.
From Therapy to Essence: The Role of Self in IFS
When one speaks of Self in the IFS context, it isn’t just another part of our inner family. It is our core, our center, remaining untouched by life's adversities. This Self is armed with essential qualities like compassion, clarity, calmness, and creativity among others. When we access and allow the Self to lead, we achieve internal harmony, an integration that is often lost in the chaos of modern life.
Imagine a beautiful mosaic with pieces of different colors and shapes. Each piece represents a unique part of us. Now, the Self is like the artist who knows exactly where each piece belongs, ensuring a cohesive, harmonious masterpiece. When parts take over the artist’s role, the mosaic can become unbalanced.
Why is it so essential for us to access Self-leadership?
The Essence of Self Leadership Across Cultures
Throughout history, cultures worldwide have recognized and revered the importance of the inner essence, or the Self.
Hinduism speaks of the Atman, a person's innermost essence, a mirror reflection of the universe's soul. A person who can remain true to this self, as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, epitomizes self-leadership.
African Traditional Religions teach about the "inner head" - an essence tied to one's destiny. To lead from this essence is to align oneself with destiny and purpose.
Native American Cultures emphasize rituals and rites to connect with one's inner spirit and follow its guidance, another form of self-leadership.
Sufism, with its core revolving around understanding the true self beyond ego, promotes leading from this deep-rooted essence.
While terminologies change, the essence remains consistent across cultures: embracing and leading from the Self results in a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.
Self-Leadership in Practice
Having access to more and more Self-energy is transformative. It isn't about removing our other parts (or seeking the so-called ego death) but understanding, loving, and harmoniously integrating them. And herein lies the magic of IFS - it provides tools to differentiate, understand, and then harmonize these parts under the Self's leadership.
This Self is not just a passive observer. It actively steers us, leads us, and ensures that all the parts feel valued and protected. As we access more Self, its energy enriches our daily interactions, allowing us to face challenges with clarity, curiosity, and compassion. It provides a broader perspective, helping us interpret life’s feedback and situations calmly.
The Impact and Essence of Self-Leadership
Leading our lives from the Self is not just about personal healing; it’s transformative. It helps us grow, evolve, and, more importantly, understand that we are so much more than our surface-level understanding of who we are. Such inner leadership offers moments of pure harmony, balance, and understanding.
However, there's a caveat. Just as genuine Self Leadership can guide us, "Self-Like Parts" may trick us. They appear to be understanding but operate with their hidden agendas. The key is discernment and ensuring that our guidance stems from genuine Self Leadership. (I will write a separate post exploring Self-like parts in more detail).
Self-leadership can help us align every fragment of our being, turning challenges into opportunities and difficult emotions into profound understandings. It's a journey where leadership is less about just “leading” and more about “remembering”. Remembering our core, our essence. Realizing that true leaders don't just lead; they inspire Self-leadership in others.
Wrapping up, it's clear to me that diving deep into Self-leadership is not just a personal quest, but a shared journey. In the times we live in, the need for Self-leadership has never been greater. Not only for personal growth but for a future led by empathy, clarity, and compassion.
Your feedback, questions, and shared stories make this exploration richer. Drop a comment or share a thought – I'd love to hear from you. Let's learn and grow together.
(P.S. My function as an IFS coach is to hold space for your transformation by providing non-judgmental support and equipping you with practical tools and strategies. Whether it's for 1:1 sessions or group coaching, begin with a free discovery session to connect and discuss your goals.)