All Parts Have Self Energy

"I can use mystery and intuition, too! It's not only Self that's magical."

I met a part today that I initially thought of as a kind of pain-in-the-neck sort of planner that tries to manage and plan everything out. Turns out, it is a major, somewhat hidden, player in my system that does a whole lot more than meddle around with logistics & details. As I held it in my attention, it fleshed out, showing me its expansive qualities, letting me feel its power.

It said, "Listen to me!" It said, "Trust me!" It said, "Remember me!" It said, "Let me free to brainstorm, plan, dream, imagine!" It said, "Get that judgy part outta here saying I'm too young!" It said, "Remember: parts aren't a problem, they're necessary."

Oh.

This last insight stopped me. It reminded me that I often approach my parts as problems to be solved. This part showed me that parts may use managerial or firefighter strategies to deal with the pain of exiles, and they can get stuck in those proactive or reactive strategies, thinking that that's all they are, that's all they can do. It reminded me that this is the burden of trauma: the belief that there is only pain, and this pain must be managed or pushed away at all costs. But, as this part reminded me, all the scattered parts of ourselves are so, SO much more than just the ways they've had to be to help us survive.

And, really, what's more magical - and sacred - than that?

Thank you Self, but, also: thank you parts.