Understanding the Self Discussions

Recitation #1

Is the Sense of Self developed by Nature or Nurture?

- I think the sense of self is developed by both nature and nurture. While it’s true that in
the physical aspect of a person it is developed naturally or biologically through genetics,
it cannot be solely based on nature. Without one’s surroundings, an individual's sense of
self will be incomplete. Our personality is influenced by external factors, we are also able
to develop our sense of self through our experiences, learnings, and through the
influence of the people around us.

Recitation #2

Out of all Perspectives and Theories discussed, choose one that best resonates with your
understanding of the Self. Why?

- In understanding myself, I resonate with Carl Jung’s theory the most.

More than 80% of the ocean is said to be unexplored, the same way that I still have a lot
of things to discover about myself. Similarly, Jung believed that a significant portion of
who we truly are — our capabilities, why we do the things that we do, etc. persist
beneath our immediate awareness; it lies in the unconscious realms of our psyche. After
learning about Carl Jung’s theory, I’ve realized that I’ve been applying his concepts
because of how similar they were to what I do to understand myself deeper. A huge part
of understanding myself involves healing, in which I bring awareness to the experiences
and aspects of myself left in the dark. Jung refers to this as the “shadow” aspect within
us. Just like in Jung’s insights and theories, I also strive and work towards living as my
most authentic self — through radical self-acceptance: regardless of how dark it may be.
Recitation #3

How to help yourself develop a more healthy body image.

- I’ve been developing this mindset about how I should not conform to society’s beauty
standards and instead of moving in a place of self loathing and trying to fit in these
standards, I should have radical self acceptance and self love. Continuously training my
mind that I am beautiful just as I am, and that there’s nothing wrong with me. Another
way for me to develop a more healthy body image is by not comparing myself to others.
Keeping in mind that we all have our uniqueness and that’s what makes us beautiful.