UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
Course Material No. 7

Jigo Rafael
Catamio, MAEd, RGC
Course Instructor
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Material and

Spiritual Self



7

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Here’s what I will teach you in this course material:
LESSON OUTLINE • To know the influence of our possessions to our self
• Material Self • To understand the dynamics of our interaction to others with
• Influence of our need to acquire things
Unit Outline
Material things
• To distinguish religion from spirituality
to self
• To appreciate the importance of hardship and suffering in
• Spirituality
valuing life.
• Religion
RESOURCES NEEDED
• Finding Meaning For this lesson, you would need the following resources:
in Life
• PowerPoint on the lesson

• Laptop and Internet Access
• Notebook or short bond paper for activities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS




Pretest
4 Reflection

Before you start, try answering the following
questions.

is Material Self?
5 The Material Self
1. What


_________________________________________
7 Let’s do this Activity

2. How do the things that we possess influence who we
are?
8 Spiritual Self
________________________________________



3. What
are the effects of being materialistic to a
person?
9 Lesson Summary



________________________________________

10 Post Test

4. How does religion influence the life of a person?


________________________________________
11 References

5. Why is it important to find meaning in our life?.


________________________________________










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Material and
Spiritual
Key Point
The well being of people
and our understanding of
who we are may be coming
from the way we
understand our situations,
standing in life, and the
beliefs that we are holding
on to in life. With that in
mind, appreciating
everything that we have
may it be good or bad
should be a vital aspect of
bfbvbcvbcvbv
living in order to obtain
happiness.

What do you think is the influence of religion to the

establishment of Self to a person? Reflect on your life and how
the beliefs and practices of your religion influenced who you are
today.
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The Material Self

William James identified Material Self, as everything that a person possess or

considers to theirs. It includes the body, material possessions, beliefs, and
reputation.
According to James, Material Self is comprised of various components,
specifically the Body as the basic component of the material self, the various
possessions that a person have in life, and the material self also includes ones
family and friends who influences us with the development of our identity.
So we represent ourselves through the clothes we wear, the gadgets we have,
the friends and family that we have and the things that we do. All of these
contribute to whether we are accepted or not in the world we live in, the
reputation that people associate with ourselves.
Materialism
Materialism purports that all that is found in the universe is matter, which is
the substance of nature. It suggests therefore that material possession is all
that matters most. Success, happiness and the essence of individual existence
are gauged by material prosperity, which one has gained in a lifetime.
This is precisely what is in the mind and spirit of many individuals now as
they place much value and the highest regard on material wealth.
Reason for Materialism
Material possession provides several effects on the individual whether it is
personal, intellectual or emotional.
Consumerism is motivated by the following reason:

• It is alleged that material possession provide these individuals with a

feeling of security as their money and property provide the with
tangible assets;
• It is alleged that wealth gives them a sense of well-being as they
alleged that this material wealth provides them with happiness;
• It is alleged that material wealth boosts their self-esteem and self-
confidence as they believe that they possess those assets that not
every body has; and
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• It is alleged that cherished wealth provides an individual with more
friends and relationships through greater interaction

With this in mind, the choices that we make in order to achieve the
recognition of others depends not only on our own capabilities but more so
on the value we and the other people give to what we have or can acquire.
For example, now the things like having an Iphone, drinking coffee at
Starbucks, or buying branded clothes maybe used as a manifestation of a
good social standing it may not be similar to owning a company, having a
house at an exclusive subdivision but the former are much easier to acquire
and achieve than the latter.
Having the ability to find the things that will define yourself that will persist
through time, were your life and achievements both defines who you are and
what you are capable of and at the same time provide you with the direction
and knowledge on what to prioritize will result to a more cohesive and easier
establishment of who you are as a person and what you want to be in life.
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Instructions: Write your most treasured material possessions in each category and explain the reasons
why you consider them to be so.

Characteristics (things that I have) Reasons

Body

Clothes

People

Other Material Possessions

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The Spiritual Self

Spiritual Self is an aspect of the self that is involved with the inner essence of
the person; it is connected with the sacred, supernatural and the universe.
Primarily, when one hears about spirituality, one associates it with religion.
Although the connection between the two is evident and apparent we can still
consider that spirituality is not solely defined by religious beliefs.
Spirituality, From the Latin word “Spiritus” meaning breath or Life Force. It
can be associated to the pursuit of a person to the meaning or purpose of ones
life. The term is often associated as originally developed from early
Christianity, as such, spirituality in this sense can be considered to be
connected to Religion.
Religion, is an organized system of Ideas about the spiritual sphere or the
supernatural along with the practices by which people do to interpret, explain
and influence aspects of life that may not be explained by logic, science or
things that are difficult to control.

The Search for Meaning in Life

Victor Frankl created “Logotherapy” or the process of finding meaning in
one’s life. According to Frankl the primary motivation of man in life is to
search for the meaning of our existence. Thus, he presented three different
ways for a person to discover their meaning in life.
The first is by doing a deed, one may find the meaning in his/her life through
achievements and accomplishments. Next, by experiencing a value, an
example of which is connecting with others or loving a person. Through
loving a person, one is willing and capable of truly understanding the essence
of that person one holds dear.
And Lastly, is by experiencing suffering, According to Frankl, through
suffering one will be able to appreciate the goodness in life more, with
surviving ones suffering is to find meaning in suffering. If one can live
through the difficulties in life and be capable to take responsibilities to the
answers that one prescribe for them, it will enable the person to grow in spite
of everything that may happen.
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LESSON SUMMARY

In Summary, It is important to understand and remember that in life, the

things that we have, the people we are with and the beliefs we follow can be
said to be vital in our existence. Their presence provides us with a sense of
security and identity for ourselves but they could also be the cause of
problems if not suffering in our lives.
Being able to maintain a balance between defining the things that we need in
life and the things that we want, can enable a person to achieve a life of true
happiness and contentment. Lastly, by being aware that suffering is
inevitable, one can better find meaning in anything we do and achieve in life
no matter how small or significant it may be.

KEY TERMS

Self Existence Reputation

Religion Suffering Body
Inner Being Spirit happiness
Material Things Family Goals

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POSTTEST

Directions: Answer the Following questions: Explain briefly your answers.

1. What is the Relationship between Religion and Spirituality?

2. What is the importance does acquiring material things in life?
3. How can one find meaning in their life, and why is it important?
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REFERENCES

Alata, E.J., Caslib Jr., B.N., Serafica, J.P., & Pawilen, R.A. (2018). Understanding the Self. [1st
ed.]. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Leary, M.R. & Tangney, J.P. (2012). Handbook of Self and Identity. [2nd ed.], New york:
Gilford Press Retrieved from
https://www.ravenshawuniversity.ac.in/Study_Materials/psychology_UG/handbook_of_self_
and_identity_-_second_edition_-_ch._4_pp._69-104_38_pages.pdf
Go-Monilla, M.J. & Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the Self. [1st ed.]. Quezon City: C & E
Pub.