Karen Locke, author of 'Self Compassion Day by Day,' discusses the importance of daily IFS practices, exploring feelings, connecting with parts, and seeking group support. She highlights the relevance of recognizing 'workaholic' parts during challenging times and emphasizes the power of inner resources and self-compassion in navigating life's complexities.
Engage in daily IFS reflections for self-compassion during challenging times like COVID-19.
Explore and integrate different internal parts to understand personal growth and self-discovery.
Utilize online communities for support in emotional healing, inner exploration, and personal growth.
Deep dives
Importance of Daily Reflections with IFS Model
Choosing to engage in daily reflection practices involving the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model can be highly beneficial, especially during challenging times like those faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. By utilizing resources like Karen Locke's book 'Self-Compassion Day by Day,' individuals can create a guided check-in process that assists in connecting with various parts of themselves. Through these reflections, individuals can navigate feelings of disruption, overwhelm, fear, and numbness, all while acknowledging and engaging with their internal firefighters who work to maintain inner balance and care. Locke's emphasis on self-compassion serves to remind individuals that their 'self' is a constant presence that offers courage, clarity, and calmness, thereby fostering a sense of support and security amid emotional turmoil and uncertainty.
Learning Through Parts Exploration
Karen Locke's discussion highlights the value of exploring individual parts within oneself as a means of self-discovery and growth. Through her personal experience with various parts, Locke delves into her early exposure to concepts of 'subpersonalities' and highlights the transformative journey of integrating these parts over time. She emphasizes the significance of unburdening burdened parts, acknowledging their roles, and understanding their evolution within the internal system. By recognizing and embracing the roles of different parts, individuals can move towards a more integrated and harmonious internal landscape, allowing for a deeper understanding of their inner dynamics and the impact of past experiences on their present selves.
Creating Supportive Community Practices
Locke discusses the importance of communal support in navigating inner exploration and emotional healing processes. Through platforms like Facebook groups and online support communities, individuals can engage in regular check-ins, share experiences, and receive encouragement from like-minded individuals. These online spaces offer a sense of connection and understanding, fostering a supportive environment for individuals to openly discuss their parts, feelings, and challenges. By participating in group discussions, individuals can not only gain insights into their internal dynamics but also feel validated and supported in their personal growth journeys. These online communities serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the IFS model and enhance their self-exploration practices.
Embracing Self-Compassion and Centredness
The concept of 'self' as a source of wisdom and healing energy is a central theme in Locke's approach to emotional healing and personal growth. By embracing phrases like 'all that is' and consciously channeling self-energy to individuals and situations, individuals can cultivate a sense of centeredness and connection to their inner guidance. Locke's emphasis on daily reflections and self-compassion practices encourages individuals to tap into their deeper wisdom and experience a profound shift in their self-awareness. Through intentional engagement with practices that nurture self-compassion and self-connection, individuals can develop a stronger sense of inner peace, resilience, and clarity in navigating life's challenges.
Fostering Intimate Online Learning and Growth
Locke underscores the value of online communities and virtual learning spaces in facilitating personal growth, emotional healing, and community support. Through online support groups, Zoom sessions, and daily reflection practices, individuals can access a diverse range of resources aimed at promoting self-awareness, emotional expression, and inner exploration. The intimacy and vulnerability shared in virtual environments enable individuals to engage in deep self-reflection, connect with others on similar journeys, and receive guidance and encouragement in their healing processes. By embracing the power of virtual platforms for personal growth and community support, individuals can harness the collective wisdom and compassion of like-minded individuals to foster transformative growth experiences.
On today's episode I speak with Karen Locke, author of "Self Compassion Day by Day: Daily Reflections with Internal Family Systems."
Even though this episode was recorded in late February, it is pertinent for our times as we are just beginning to feel the impact of COVID-19. Having a daily practice of checking in with our parts has become more and more important. I'm feeling a greater need to listen to the parts who feel disrupted, overwhelmed, afraid, and numb and letting them feel Self with them in whatever way they need.
Self is courageous. Self is clear minded. When Self is with them, they are not alone.
New to IFS? Karen suggests start by noticing feelings. I loved the idea that first drew her to IFS: If I am feeling jealous, ask who inside is feeling jealous?
We can do the same thing right now with fear- Who inside of me is feeling fear?
Karen's incredible readings are a reminder of the inner resource we all have and a reminder to listen inside and be with.
We talk about group connection, running with our wild and fun ideas, and workaholics anonymous. I don't know about you, but the change in what 'work' looks like right now has brought up a lot of 'workaholic' parts!
Karen sent me a handout with the WA tools and principles- I will put it up on The One Inside Facebook page. You can also email me at tammysollenberger@comcast.net for a copy.
If you want to connect and practice checking in and speaking for parts, Karen already has in place several Facebook groups and weekly online meetings. Check them out at Compassionate Self Leadership Community and IFS Daily Reflections.
