Exploring The Self

The aim of this volume is to discuss recent research into self-experience and its disorders, and to contribute to a better integration of the different empirical and conceptual perspectives. Among the topics discussed are questions like 'What is a self?, ' 'What is the relation between the self-givenness of consciousness and the givenness of the conscious self?', 'How should we understand the self-disorders encountered in schizophrenia?' and 'What general insights into the nature of the self can pathological phenomena provide us with?' Most of the contributions are characterized by a distinct phenomenological approach.The chapters by Butterworth, Strawson, Zahavi, and Marbach are general in nature and address different psychological and philosophical aspects of what it means to be a self. Next Eilan, Parnas, and Sass turn to schizophrenia and ask both how we should approach and understand this disorder, and, more specifically, what we can learn about the nature of selfhood and existence from psychopathology. The chapters by Blakemore and Gallagher present a defense and a criticism of the so-called model of self-monitoring, respectively. The final three chapters by Cutting, Stanghellini, Schwartz and Wiggins represent anthropologically oriented attempts to situate pathologies of self-experience.(Series B)

Photography shows us how to look at things from different perspectives, to reflect, to communicate and to express ourselves in a way that goes beyond words. The creative and introspective qualities of this accessible arts medium make it an ideal tool for use in therapeutic contexts. In this book, Claire Craig explores how professionals working with groups can use photography to promote self-exploration and positive change. She explains how the technique works, who it can help, and how to set up and run a group. Each chapter revolves around a key self-development theme, such as communication, reflection, relationship-building and self-esteem, and contains activities which are suitable for all ages and abilities. For each activity, requirements are clearly specified, and both a warm-up and extension activity offered. Along the way, examples of photographs taken by participants in response to particular themes, and the explanations which accompany them, are provided as inspiration. This practical guide can be used in group work across a broad range of contexts, including in schools, colleges, youth groups, community settings, residential care, in-patient and day hospitals. It will be of interest to occupational therapists, arts therapists, social workers, teachers and any other practitioners interested in ways of promoting personal development through creative means.

This study investigates our multiple selves as manifested in how we use language. Applying philosophical contrastive pragmatics to original and translation of Japanese and English works, the concept of empty yet populated self in Japanese is explored.

This text addresses contemporary society in an immediate and thought-provoking manner and will be a timely and topical introduction to the dynamic and critical dimensions of sociology. It adopts a broad social science approach which reflects both the authors' competencies and also the widening and overlaying boundaries of the social sciences. Starting with the problem-oriented agenda of the social sciences, it explores the tensions between structure, agency and process via the idea of a structure-bound and yet creative and participatory self.

Can you be a self on your own or only together with others? Is selfhood a built-in feature of experience or rather socially constructed? How do we at all come to understand others? Does empathy amount to and allow for a distinct experiential acquaintance with others, and if so, what does that tell us about the nature of selfhood and social cognition? Does a strong emphasis on the first-personal character of consciousness prohibit a satisfactory account of intersubjectivity or is the former rather a necessary requirement for the latter? Engaging with debates and findings in classical phenomenology, in philosophy of mind and in various empirical disciplines, Dan Zahavi's new book Self and Other offers answers to these questions. Discussing such diverse topics as self-consciousness, phenomenal externalism, mindless coping, mirror self-recognition, autism, theory of mind, embodied simulation, joint attention, shame, time-consciousness, embodiment, narrativity, self-disorders, expressivity and Buddhist no-self accounts, Zahavi argues that any theory of consciousness that wishes to take the subjective dimension of our experiential life serious must endorse a minimalist notion of self. At the same time, however, he also contends that an adequate account of the self has to recognize its multifaceted character, and that various complementary accounts must be integrated, if we are to do justice to its complexity. Thus, while arguing that the most fundamental level of selfhood is not socially constructed and not constitutively dependent upon others, Zahavi also acknowledges that there are dimensions of the self and types of self-experience that are other-mediated. The final part of the book exemplifies this claim through a close analysis of shame.

The author of Self-Compassion follows up her groundbreaking book with new ideas that expand our notion of self-kindness and its capacity to transform our lives, showing women how to balance tender self-acceptance with fierce action to claim their power and change the world. Kristin Neff changed how we talk about self-care with her enormously popular first book, Self-Compassion. Now, ten years and many studies later, she expands her body of work to explore a brand-new take on self-compassion. Although kindness and self-acceptance allow us to be with ourselves as we are, in all our glorious imperfection, the desire to alleviate suffering at the heart of this mindset isn't always gentle, sometimes it's fierce. We must also act courageously in order to protect ourselves from harm and injustice, say no to others so we can meet our own needs, and motivate necessary change in ourselves and society. Gender roles demand that women be soft and nurturing, not angry or powerful. But like yin and yang, the energies of fierce and tender self-compassion must be balanced for wholeness and wellbeing. Drawing on a wealth of research, her personal life story and empirically supported practices, Neff demonstrates how women can use fierce and tender self-compassion to succeed in the workplace, engage in caregiving without burning out, be authentic in relationships, and end the silence around sexual harassment and abuse. Most women intuitively recognize fierceness as part of their true nature, but have been discouraged from developing it. Women must reclaim their power in order to create a healthier society and find lasting happiness. In this wise, caring, and enlightening book, Neff shows women how to reclaim balance within themselves, so they can help restore balance in the world.

The human experience is a deep and complex voyage, frequently characterized by an unwavering quest to comprehend oneself. The pursuit of self-discovery is a universal journey that surpasses cultural, societal, and individual limitations. It is a process that entails self-reflection, investigation, and a profound bond with one's most intimate ideas and feelings. The journey of self-exploration is not a straightforward route; instead, it is a fluid and progressive undertaking that extends across one's entire life. This extensive analysis will examine the several facets of the process of self-discovery, investigating the psychological, emotional, and spiritual elements that play a role in this transformative journey. Comprehending the Process of Self-Discovery A. Definition and Concept Self-discovery is a complex idea that involves the exploration and understanding of one's own identity, values, and life's purpose. The process entails unraveling the various layers of societal indoctrination, external demands, and previous encounters in order to reveal one's genuine identity. The pursuit of self-discovery involves more than just acquiring knowledge; it is a profound and transforming journey that fosters heightened self-awareness and a deeper comprehension of one's own existence. The Significance of Self-Exploration The importance of self-discovery is quite significant. It acts as a basis for individual development, psychological wellness, and the quest for a satisfying existence. Those that undertake this endeavor frequently encounter enhanced resilience, emotional intelligence, and a heightened feeling of purpose. Furthermore, the process of self-discovery enhances the ability to establish a more profound bond with others, as gaining insight into one's own identity provides a solid foundation for empathizing with the experiences of people in our vicinity.

An award-winning psychologist and professional photographer join forces in writing this unique creative guide to exploring and understanding your life: who you are, what you value, and what you wish to achieve. A Creative Guide to Exploring Your Life brims with imaginative exercises and examples that use the power of photography, art, and writing as tools for self-discovery. It provides clear and accessible guidance on how to explore different parts of your identity: take a photograph of yourself in a role you don't typically play, draw a visual timeline of your life and consider its key turning points; explore your sense of place in history by writing about a major historical event that has changed your life. Exercises are accompanied by searching questions for self-reflection, and are complemented by examples of each exercise to provoke ideas and inspiration. Featuring additional guidance for teachers, counselors, and other professionals running the exercises in group settings, this book offers a dynamic and enjoyable way for you to explore different aspects of your life.