The Synchronicity Between Internal Family Systems Therapy and The Key Spiritual Path of Pathlessness (Part III of III)

Parts are thoughts and feelings which influence our emotions and actions, and in turn gives us a sense of one mind, which we call consciousness. Consciousness then is impermanent and therefore fearful of change and ultimately death. Without a functioning mind there Is no consciousness, which leaves us wondering, ‘what then?’. What is left when we are no longer conscious? Its no wonder the internal family of parts are constantly fearful of death and suffering. Consciousness is only operating in the past and future where there is no control or constant. 

Self, on the other hand, is not thought and feeling based but grounded in the present moment experience. It is not conscious, but it is aware. This awareness is connected to the infinite, what I call the Universe. Awareness by nature then extends beyond death and allows us to transcend. In talking to hundreds of ‘code blue’ patients who return they describe becoming more aware of awareness and take comfort in our continuance beyond death, offering multiple opportunities (I will discuss in another blog). Self operates in awareness, which makes it mostly unrecognizable to the conscious mind of the parts. When, however, awareness focuses on a specific part the parts then become aware of Self.

Here is the power of IFS to allow parts to be recognized by Self, get to know each other, and for Self to share Wisdom with the Part, which helps the part to unburden what keeps it ‘stuck’. In this way the part can release fears, become conscious of awareness and to grow, transform. In addition, Self brings two key connections to the mind, intuition and insights. This is what awareness from Self brings from the Universe and through awareness to the mind of the parts. These short, succinct messages effects both mind and body. The ‘ahh, haa!’ moment has an immediate, healing effect on the part and relieves suffering. The part feels connected, loved and at peace. This provides the impetuce to let go and evolve into the present day family. 

Slowly as part by part is approached, engaged and helped by Self the confidence in our Self takes a center stage in consciousness and the individual becomes more aware. Reliance on awareness verses consciousness becomes the unfolding of the pathless path. As consciousness and awareness join to settle in our ‘true nature’ we naturally become less fearful, more in the present moment, loving, joyful and at peace.

Time and again, I am discovering in assisting individual clients can use IFS to break free of their fears and suffering to achieve spiritual awakening, making it almost effortless. In the end, we have always been here. It was just our mind, body and spirit all along experiencing and being the pathless path.