Inner Connecting
In my session today, I felt a noticeable sense of excitement from a part that is celebrating the shrinking boundary between my inner world and my outer world. It feels like it is defined by a new, liberating practice of simply being authentic and speaking openly about my parts without rigid fear-based filtering. As I explored this part, I noticed my characteristic bracing part emerge through some physical tension in the back of my head and neck. Instead of coming at it with an agenda for it to relax or to try to fix it, I accepted and welcomed it. I let it know that it is welcome as it is—messy, bracing, or confused. Feeling that non-pushy, inclusive energy allowed it and much of my system to settle, bringing up a deep appreciation for how far we’ve come from strictness and vetting to near total acceptance.
Navigating Managers and Moving Forward
As my session progressed, a manager-like part popped up with a high legacy agenda—a familiar voice suggesting I should be doing “deeper” or more productive work. It reminded me of old rules around putting work before pleasure, especially with the stress of my upcoming move tomorrow. Rather than fighting this manager, I acknowledged its concerns about packing and staying on track, which helped it feel heard and willing to relax. This allowed space to sense a pre-grieving part that is reminiscing about where I live now, balanced by another part that feels genuinely energized by the move. This forward-looking part is excited to step into a bigger city, build new community connections, and continue exploring authentic living.
Arriving at Inner Equanimity
As my session time was nearing its end, I checked in across my entire system, starting with my nervous system—visiting my face, neck, front of torso, and inner limbs. A heady part got activated, feeling a bit cautious, but was reassured when I welcomed it, allowing space to get to know it better. I realized that as the gap decreases between my inner and outer worlds—less shadow—I don’t always need to do a dramatic “deep dive”; sometimes a session can simply be light maintenance and checking in on familiar parts. We all closed with mutual gratitude among my body, my managers, protectors, and exiles. Even my bracing part felt reassured, knowing it doesn’t have to change overnight and that I will continue to meet it with curiosity and welcome whenever it arises.
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.