Parts of you

I touched on this topic of different parts of ourselves briefly in my last blog and wanted to expand on it because I believe it is a really important topic and one that is central to a lot of our challenges in life. When I say "parts of ourselves" I'm talking about the deeper, intangible parts that make you you.  The adventurous part, the loving part, the comedian part, the caring part, the creative part and so on and so on.  All these parts together make up our complete self. And when a part gets ignored or suppressed, over time, it can show up in the form of a physical symptom, such as a chronic illness or as excess weight. 

We are born whole, complete beings.  As we grow, our environment plays a huge role in our development and which parts get expressed and which suppressed.  For instance, if you are born into a family of entertainers or musicians, it is likely those are the qualities that will be encouraged to be brought out in you.  On the flip side, if a parent plays an overly domineering role, it may not be a safe environment to express feelings and emotions or to have a differing opinion so the part that learns to do this will be suppressed.  This is a "survival" tactic while we are growing because we naturally want love and acceptance, especially from our family.  So in order to get the love we are needing we push down, or suppress these parts of us that may appear to create conflict.  This becomes a subconscious "habit". One that we are not even aware we are doing and may carry into our life going forward.

This may serve us well at the time we start the "habit".  For instance, a small child responding to a family environment and doing what is necessary to receive desired love.  But as we grow, this subconscious habit is no longer useful and can even  be detrimental to our well-being. If we are not able to express ourselves, it  can lead to us being a "doormat",  unable to stand up for yourself, or say no, and get "walked on" all the time or taken advantage of.  This part of you is wanting and needing to be heard and so will show up eventually in a physical way, as I mentioned earlier.  Sure we can take a prescription to alleviate symptoms, or try to diet and exercise our way out of this but it will always be a struggle until we acknowledge that part of ourselves that is needing to be heard.

It is only when we accept and acknowledge all parts of ourselves and recognize the value that each part brings, that our bodies can find true balance.  Even the parts that we deem as "bad", if we at least acknowledge it's positive intention for us, then it can begin to integrate in a more resourceful way.  So, for instance, the "bad" part of us that wants to eat chocolate cake if we're trying to lose weight, recognizing that what we really want is comfort, acknowledge that part that's actually needing comfort, then you may be able to find comfort in a way that's healthier for you.

When you are in the habit of suppressing a part of you, it may be difficult at first to understand or get in touch with that part.  Yoga, meditation or a mentor/guide can help you.  Don't give up, because once you start tuning into and acknowledging all parts of you and recognizing their value, you will be amazed at the positive changes you begin seeing in your life.

I believe it's possible for you.

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