Meeting a Political Part.
In a recent self-IFS session, I focused on a part that periodically wants me to get into politics, like running for a political office. I spent time getting to know this part, exploring its intentions, and trying to understand its role. It described its job as wanting to caretake society, right wrongs, create safety, and pursue justice. When exploring names that felt fitting, the term “public servant” felt like a reasonable fit. We gently touched on whether this part might be driven by ego or a desire for recognition. The part was open to this reflection, noting that while its roots traced back to childhood feelings of powerlessness and early feelings of being a good leader, its deeper motive was to live a purposeful, service-oriented life and work toward a more just world.
Listening to Internal Dynamics
As the conversation continued, I noticed other parts in my system reacting with skepticism, fearing complications or being accused of power-mongering. The public servant part acknowledged feeling somewhat polarized against these hesitant parts and admitted it had mostly been living in the shadows. Rather than acting as a strict protector, it felt more like a long-held aspiration—comparing itself to a seed kept in a pocket that had never been planted or given the chance to grow. It shared a quiet worry that without attention, I might feel as though I missed out on a calling or didn’t fully realize my potential.
Closing and Integration
Toward the end of the session, the part expressed gratitude simply for being heard, mirrored, and brought into connection. It reassured my system that it did not want to cause distress or push me into uncomfortable environments if public office proved too stressful. It simply wanted resolution rather than remaining in limbo. We ended the session with a sense of internal appreciation, leaving the door open to further understand whether this energy stems from a need for attention or a genuine call to service.
These posts are personal reflections on my own n=1 experiment with IFS and somatic inquiry. They are shared for educational purposes and are not intended as medical or psychological advice.