MULTIPLICITY Explained

Understanding Multiplicity: the property of being multiple; a large number or wide range (of something) (Cambridge Dictionary) 

The Parts: younger versions of ourselves that still exist and play a role in our lives by acting on our behalf

The Self: Confidence, Calmness, Creativity, Clarity, Curiosity, Courage, Compassion Connectedness, Presence, Patience, Perspective, Persistence, Playfulness

In IFS: multiplicity of parts of ourselves; exiles, protectors, managers; the working together of the Self and our Parts to manifest the life we have now; changing the roles of our parts can change how we respond in our world.

The concept is that if we can act of ourSelves instead of from our parts, we can become who we truly are. Parts are entities that act on our behalf, trying to protect and manage us so we don’t experience emotional pain. They are not evil or bad; they are trying to help us in some way or form that doesn’t really serve us well in our everyday lives. By sorting through the parts that act out, getting curious about why they exist and what they are trying to accomplish in our inner systems, we can actually help them grow from the confused and often stuck state they are in to a state of calm and connectedness that allows us to act more from ourSelves, our core Self.

The process of becoming ourSelves, our true Self, allows us to actually love ourselves deeply. Love is a side effect of the process. What an amazing side effect! How many other side effects come with such grandeur? It makes sense, then, doesn’t it, that we would truly want to go through this process, especially if we have a hard time loving ourselves in the first place. To truly love yourself, you need to sort through your parts, find them as separate entities, embrace and direct love towards them and act from yourSelf.

To recognize the difference between parts and the Self, the Self is ALWAYS compassionate, curious, calm, connected, clear, creative, courageous and connected;  it is also playful, persistent, present, patient and perspective driven. If we are acting from some other form besides these, we are acting through our parts, not ourSelves. OurSelves are who we truly are without the interference of our parts. I believe, then, that it is our true Selves we find in each other. We grow to love the Self in others; we connect to others through ourSelves. It is the common link between us and we gravitate towards the true Selves of others. We likely are drawn to those who act more of themSelves than their parts, then. A person who acts from the Self is more attractive to us than the person who acts from their parts because it is their core Self that is showing up. What, on earth, is more attractive than someone who acts from who they truly are?

peace balance empathy