IFS and 'Inside Out': Growing Up

"It’s probably one of the more difficult things in our lives, is growing up."

-Peter Docter, Director of Inside Out

Too true!

One reason for this difficulty many of us have in growing up is that we have many parts of us with different

• levels of development

• understandings of the world

• emotions

• memories

• stories

  
  

These parts of us may be:

• working in teams

• arch enemies

• not even know of the others existence

• not know of our existence as a 'grown up'

Inside Out takes us on an exploration of Riley's lively inner world giving special attention to particular parts of her- anger, joy, disgust, sadness and fear. We see what they are really about and how they all contribute in her life.

What about our parts? We may have parts that:

• like to tell us we are never wrong

• keep us organised

• fill our schedules

• put us to sleep

• keep us awake .. and much more!

Through IFS we get to meet, understand and love all these parts of us. Then, instead of these well- meaning kids/parts running our lives, we get to be the leader in our system - and in our lives. From a place of centred calm, compassion and courage, drawing deeply from our inner resources and connection, we can lead these parts of us to a place of witnessing where we can release their burdens, uncover their strengths and enjoy them as they enrich our lives.

Don’t believe it? I also have a sceptical part who often leads the way -and that’s ok! More often than not, thanks to the wisdom of our doubtful parts, it is only by personal experience that we believe. So give IFS a go and see what you discover. All parts welcome!!

Our sense of well-being and appreciation of our unique individuality is more readily available to us through meeting, accepting and celebrating all parts of ourselves.