Join Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. Peter Martin, a licensed psychologist, as they dive into the depths of the inmost self. They explore the intersection of spiritual traditions and psychological frameworks, revealing the core of human identity. Discover how understanding one's innermost self enriches relationships with God and others. They also discuss the transformative potential of Internal Family Systems therapy in spiritual contexts, weaving together theological insights with practical applications for emotional and spiritual well-being.
The innermost self represents our core identity, where we connect with God's love and understand our true essence.
Distinguishing between our self and internal parts, as explained by IFS theory, helps navigate emotional burdens and promotes deeper spiritual integration.
Surrendering to God, despite inherent challenges, enables personal transformation and fosters peace through trust in divine wisdom.
Deep dives
Understanding the Innermost Self
The concept of the innermost self is rooted in spiritual tradition, emphasizing that this deepest aspect of our being is where we connect with God's love and presence. Drawing from St. Paul's writings, this dimension reflects our true identity, created in the image of God, and signifies a place of wholeness and integration. It serves as the spiritual center that influences our interactions with various parts of ourselves, revealing how intimately connected our identity is to divine love. Engaging with this innermost self is essential for genuine self-awareness and personal growth.
The Distinction of the Self and Parts
A significant aspect of the discussion revolves around distinguishing between the self and the parts within us, as highlighted in IFS theory. The self is characterized as the leader that integrates various parts, each serving a specific function in our psyche, which can sometimes hinder our ability to connect deeply with God. Acknowledging this distinction allows for a more nuanced understanding of how our internal dynamics operate and how they can become misaligned due to emotional burdens. This framework fosters a deeper awareness of our experiences while providing pathways for healing and reconnection with our spiritual center.
The Role of Love in Personal Transformation
At the heart of personal transformation is the idea of love, which serves as the driving force behind the desire for connection and belonging. This love is rooted in our identity as children of God, which helps us navigate through our various parts towards a state of inner harmony. Scripture reinforces the foundation of love, highlighting that the absence of love in our actions diminishes their significance. Emphasizing love encourages us to cultivate a nurturing inner environment that facilitates the flourishing of both our innermost self and the surrounding parts.
The Challenges of Surrender
Surrendering to God, despite its importance for growth and healing, may present significant challenges for many individuals. The inherent struggle lies in the fear of letting go due to the tendency to cling to control or familiarity born from disconnection or fear. This internal conflict emphasizes the need for trust in God's plan and presence, which can often feel daunting. Embracing this act of surrender allows for a transformative release of burdens, fostering a deeper sense of peace and acceptance of God's divine wisdom.
Seeking Integration and Flourishing
The process of integration between our innermost self and our parts is essential for achieving a sense of flourishing in life. Acknowledging the potential for human growth born from our connection with God can inspire hope and motivate meaningful change. This integration promotes a holistic understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the divine, enabling us to pursue a life filled with purpose. Ultimately, striving for this interconnectedness deepens our spiritual journey and facilitates our ability to love ourselves and others more fully.
The Importance of Community and Interconnectedness
Recognizing our interconnectedness with others is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, especially within a faith context. The discussion underscores that the journey of self-discovery is not undertaken in isolation; rather, our growth and healing are enriched through community. Engaging with others in the recovery and healing process offers a sense of belonging and shared experience, which is crucial for personal transformation. Emphasizing this communal approach fosters a richness in relationships that mirrors the love of God and strengthens our spiritual lives.
Who are you, deep inside, at the core of your being? Who lives in the inmost chamber of your personhood? Join us on an adventure to discover your core identity. Catholic experts Dr. Gerry Crete and Dr. Peter Martin find the convergences and synergies in Scripture, the early Church Fathers, the Eastern and Western Catholic monastic traditions, Doctors of the Church, the medieval Catholic theologians, the writings of contemplative saints, and the magisterial teachings of the Church -- supplemented by attachment theory, Internal Family Systems and other parts and systems approaches in the modern era – all in the service of answering the question – “Who is my inmost self?” What do the words inmost self, heart, soul, “nous,” and the “eyes of the soul” mean from a Catholic perspective? We bring together the best of the old and new, the spiritual and the secular, to help you know who you are at your core, all grounded in an authentically Catholic understanding of your human person. With an experiential exercise from Dr. Gerry, too. For the full experience with visuals, slides, B-roll, conversation and discussion in the comments section and so much more, check us out on our YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics
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