Dialogue Between the Divided Self and the Divine Self A systematic model for psycho-spiritual integration @Laura Delaplain and He idi King and the Institute.

@Laura Delaplain and He idi King and the Institute for Spiritual Life and Psychotherapy2014

Dialogue Between the Divided Self and the Divine Self

A systematic model for psycho-spiritual integration


Islpma.org


Goals of this Workshop

• Presenters will synthesize diverse psychological theories and spiritual teachings into a working model for understanding the interplay of degrees of spiritual consciousness with psychological well-being.

• Participants will learn ways to identify, name, and partner with the inner divine self.

• Presenters will offer a topography of divided inner selves functioning with little awareness of each other and with dim recognition of the divine source within.

• Participants will learn to facilitate dialogue between the divided selves and the divine self.


“We have what we seek. We have it all the time. If we give it time, it will make itself

known to us.”

Thomas Merton


Joseph M. Marshall, IIILakota storyteller

“Long ago, Iktomi crawled out of his den.”


The Divided Self

• Dualistic Thinking• Emotional Reactivity• Self-preoccupation• Ego-centric perspective• Defended Self• Rigidity in processing• Judgmental attention• Survivalist• Dysfunctional variability in breathing, heartbeat, and

blood pressure


Egoic Consciousness


“You are my beloved child.”


Turn left at mind,

and go within…

Ken Wilbur


Dialogue

The Divided Self

• Dualistic Thinking • Emotional Reactivity• Self-preoccupation• Ego-centric perspective• Defended Self• Rigidity in processing• Judgmental attention• Survivalist• Dysfunctional variability in breathing,

heartbeat and blood pressure

The Divine Self

• Unitive Consciousness• Sense of well-being• Engagement with others / world• Wholeness• Authenticity• Openness and Curiosity• Non-judgmental attention• Kindness• Calmness



(The Soul) can deliver grace to every corner of the psyche . . . .

Ken Wilbur


Hazelden, 2005 “Drop the Rock”

“Shortcomings”• Pride• Greed• Lust• Anger• Envy• Sloth• Gluttony

“Divine Principles”• Humility• Giving or Sharing• Purity• Calmness – Serenity• Gratefulness• Action• Moderation


Hazelden, 2005 “Drop the Rock”

“Shortcomings”

• Selfish – Self-Seeking• Dishonest• Fear• Inconsiderate• Impatience• Intolerance• Resentment• Hate• Harmful Acts• Self-Pity• Self-Justification• Self-Importance• Self-Condemnation• Suspicion• Doubt• Covetousness• Disrespect

“Divine Principles”

• Interest in Others• Honest• Courage• Considerate• Patience• Tolerance• Forgiveness• Love-Empathy• Good Deeds• Self-Forgetfulness• Self-Acceptance• Modesty• Self-Forgiveness• Trust• Faith• Charity-Generosity• Respect


Liminal Space



Liminal Space

limen – n THRESHOLD

liminal - adj. of, relating to, or situated at the limen


LIMINAL

1. of or relating to a sensory threshold

2. barely perceptible

3. Of, relating to, or being in an intermediate state, phase or condition: in-between, transitional <in the liminal state between life and death – Deborah Joweitt>


Kairos

a moment of indeterminate time in which everything happens.


Liminal Time and Liminal Space

That time and space in which a person is

brought to the threshold of crossing over from

the state of being a Divided Self into a state of being in communion with the Divine Self.


Summary of the Process1) Therapist’s Role: Uncover liminal space between the

therapist and client by pulling one’s self back, by checking one’s own ego, by becoming a non-anxious presence, listening closely, being comfortable with silence, and refraining from the impulse to give advice, to teach, to interpret or to share one’s own wisdom.

2) Client’s role: To create liminal space within through the process of kenosis or 'self-emptying,' through a repetition of one’s story, or by bringing into consciousness the places of division within one’s self.

3) Readiness for a dialogue between the Divided Self and the Divine Self.


Case Illustration

“I did something wrong.” (The divided self)


“Trust me. I will take care of it.”(The Divine Self)


ILLUMINATION


One having or claiming unusual enlightenment

Illuminate n archaic -


“I have no doubt that most people live…in a very restricted circle of their potential being. They make use of a very small portion of their

possible consciousness, much like a person who, out of their whole bodily organism,

should get into a habit of using and moving only their little finger.”

Wm James


Evolution of Consciousness

Richard Rohr/Cynthia Bourgeault

Ken Wilbur





Neuroplasticity of the Brain

The more active two neurons are the strongerthe connection between them grows: thus, withevery experience, your brain rewires its physicalstructure. The brain learns, adapts andmolecularly restructures itself on the basis ofthought and emotional experience. The braincan grow approximately 6,000 neurons a day inresponse to how you use it.


Case Illustration

“It’s a mortal sin.”(the Divided self)


“We’ll get married.” (the Divine Self)


In Summary

•One’s sense of self may shift.•One’s sense of the Divine may shift.•Intrinsic positive value in the process itself which is reinforcing and motivating.


The gifts [Christ] gave were . . . for building upthe body of Christ, until all of us come to the unityof the faith . . . to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, . . . we must grow up in every way into . . . Christ. Ephesians 4: selected verses (11-15)


Dialogue with participants

• What language do you use for the inner divine self?

• What ways have you found to partner with the inner divine self?

• How might you encourage dialogue between the divided self and the Divine self?

• What might trip you up in this dialogue?

Dialogue Between the Divided Self and the Divine Self A systematic model for psycho-spiritual integration @Laura Delaplain and He idi King and the Institute.

Documents

spiritual life

psychotherapy2014 slide

idi king

laura delaplain

spiritual consciousness

spiritual teachings

psychospiritual integration

inner divine self