It makes sense for us to want a symptom, an 'it' to go…
““It makes sense for us to want a symptom, an 'it' to go away. If we begin to sense that we are made up of many selves ... then we might instead say, 'the anxious part of me is really suffering. I wonder how we might help her'. There is often a palpable softening as we gaze on a person inside who has value apart from the distressing symptom. We also may sense more clearly that this experience isn't all of us, but belongs to a part who has had encounters that give this anxiety context and meaning. The change of pronoun, granting personhood, may move us into a more right-centric way of perceiving, which also opens us to a more both/and perspective of broad acceptance, arouses our warm curiosity, expands receptivity to the present moment. It can really be a very profound change.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Recognizing inner parts as distinct persons softens distress and fosters acceptance.
In simple terms: Seeing anxiety as a separate part reduces suffering.
Key Takeaway
Treat inner parts with kindness.
Themes
self-compassion
mindfulness
inner work
Mood
calm
curious
hopeful
Type
therapeutic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- self-reflection
- mindful meditation
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
personhood
acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you personify your anxiety?
- What benefits arise from seeing inner parts as people?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex mental health issues.