In this busy world we tend to keep trying to find the magic pill externally. We look for new programs, the guru who will take us to where we want to be, but we forget that the only person who actually knows, is you. We bury ourselves in work, exercise and entertainment but there is a calling from deep within that it is time to finally meet your Self. The old saying “Know Thyself” is no longer just a lofty saying, but there is a road map.

Here is a little exercise to introduce you to the idea that we are made up of a multiplicity of parts and they come in many forms such as feelings, thoughts, sensations or impulses. Hopefully this will be a valuable tool that you can add to help yourself feel better and avoid the pitfalls of lack of motivation, burn out, stress, perfectionism and anger. Just to name a few.

It is adapted from an exercise called “Getting to Know a Protector” from the book “No Bad Parts” by Richard Schwartz. I highly recommend that book but in the meantime here’s a free meditation/journalling prompt to get you started.