8 C’s of Self

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by

Frankie Salisbury, LPC NCC
in

What is Self, and how do we find it?

In IFS, Self is the essence of us. It’s the part of us that’s not a part. Some may conceptualize this as the Wise Mind, the soul, or the Higher Power within us. It is the inner wisdom that guides us through life, even when parts of us are feeling lost or overwhelmed.

The 8 C’s are believed to be traits that describe the Self. When asking “Is this Self?”, we can look for these 8 characteristics.

CLARITY – Seeing exactly as they are without things without bias or distraction
CONFIDENCE – Having faith in yourself to do exactly what you’re capable of doing
COMPASSION – Acknowledging pain and responding with kindness
CURIOUSITY – An openminded desire to understand something exactly as it is
CALM – A state of groundedness, even when there is turmoil in or around you
COURAGE – The willingness to move forward despite feeling fearful
CREATIVITY – A state of mind that fosters new ideas and a desire to make or transform something
CONNECTED – Being open to yourself and others around you while also keeping boundaries

When we’re in touch with these traits, it’s a sign that we’re coming from a place of Self.

What do each of these 8 C’s mean to you? What’s an example of how you demonstrate any or all of these in your day-to-day life?