An Enquiry to the Heart

(gifted from the book Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith)

Make a list of the various parts of yourself. 

You might list the inner child, the critic, the lover, the clown, the parent, the achiever, the quiet one, and so on - the possibilities are infinite.

Next to each name on the list, write a few words describing how you perceive this part of yourself. 

The inner child might be described as playful or wounded, needy or angry, scared, cute, or awkward. 

The achiever might be driving, relentless, exhausted or enthused.

After the description, write down what you think each part wants. 

The clown might want to be liked, the inner child might want to have fun, the critic to make sure we are always perfect. 

How often do these parts succeed in getting what they want?

How realistic are their desires?

What can be done to bring them into wholeness?

If you want to get more elaborate, you can start to look at who related to whom. 

Does the hardworking adult relate to the inner child?

Does the critic inhibit the artist?

Does the clown entertain the sad inner child?

Does the hero try and save everybody?

If you see parts that clearly need to improve in their relationship, write a dialog between them, as if you are writing a play.

See how the dynamics develop.

Let the dialog continue until some kind of resolution occurs.