Subpersonalities: The People Inside Us

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In addition to written material, one can make drawings and other visual aids a part of the workbook. These may be of various kinds. In one category are images — which may come to you in the form of dreams, fantasies, or visualizations. In another category are diagrams, more abstract symbols, or visual aids which we can use to express our ideas in graphic form. This is useful in developing dear concepts and in communicating these concepts to others. A final category is what one might call ‘spontaneous drawing’. This should be done when we are in a relaxed state of mind and when our attention is fixed on something else—as when we are doodling. According to Assagioli (p. 19) ‘co-ordination of the various subpersonalities into a higher unity is possible’. To achieve this, we must first find a synthesising centre that is above all of the subpersonalities, and this is the ‘I’ in the personality and the Transpersonal Self in the superconscious realm. From these centres, we must become the observer of the content of consciousness (i.e. becoming awareness itself) and learn to direct and lead (i.e. by using the will) the various subpersonalities according to our needs. Assagioli suggests the following formula for achieving synthesis: Synthesis is therefore a kind of unity in diversity, with each organ having its own individual nature and function, while also being aligned with the greater purpose of the whole. This type of synthesis does not occur naturally in the psychological world, but there are means to achieve it.

When reading through this collection, we gain a fuller and more complex picture concerning how Assagioli conceived and worked with subpersonalities, which I am confident will give English-speaking readers a fresh understanding that will properly expand this key concept of psychosynthesis. We learn that subpersonalities are not only to be understood as pathological patterns – meaning parts of the personality that have been repressed, rejected or neglected during childhood due to non-empathic caregivers.Each of our subpersonalities have different needs and goals. Whereas one might want you to stay in, study hard, and develop a career, another may just want to find the next rave or eat a whole tub of Ben and Jerrys in one sitting. Both are valid expressions of your wants and needs. It is recommended that you continue to do this exercise over a period of time. Its impact deepens with repeated use. Examples: “There are so many flaws in this novel of mine, I’m such a poor writer!”, “B+? I could have done way better!”, “I’m such a weak person compared to _____. I should be better.” The Victim

Self-awareness: we must first learn to find our centre, which is the consciousness of the ‘I’, the observer. Synthesis. This is a state of effortless co-operation in which the different subpersonalities are integrated and synthesised into a single whole, directed and loved by the This psychosynthesis exercise is intended as a tool for achieving the consciousness of the self, and the ability to focus our attention sequentially on each of our main personality aspects, roles, etc. We then become clearly aware of and can examine their qualities while maintaining the point of view of the observer, and recognising that the observer is not that which he observes. Assume a state of relaxation and take a few deep breaths. Then think about the idea of serenity: hold the concept ‘serenity’ in your mind, and reflect on it. What is its quality, its nature, its meaning, etc.? As you develop insights, ideas, or images associated with the concept, record them in your Psychological Workbook (No.1).Subpersonality is a temporary personality mode. It can be active at one moment, and can alter after a while. You may have noticed that you act differently in the presence of different people. You are someone else at work and you are someone else at home. I know people who are extroverts at work, they are loud, funny, etc., but when they are around their close ones at home they seem to turn into quiet introverts who like loneliness and serenity. Depending on the part that is active, we can behave differently. Assagioli is referring to the kind of synthesis we find in a healthy body, where the different parts – organs and cells of the body – co-operate intelligently to uphold the health of the whole body.