100 Days of Drawing my Parts
Showing up as a whole person means accepting all parts of ourselves, not just the parts we like. This project is heavily influenced by the work of Richard Schwarts, who developed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.
My study of IFS inspired me to explore my own parts through illustration as a practice in creative acceptance and healing.
What are ‘Parts’?
Our mind is full of multiple, often contradictory, selves. These parts of us all have their own desires, wants, and needs, and even personalities. You may have experienced these parts when you say, “A part of me is upset she cancelled plans, but another part of me is relieved.”
There are parts of us that can be fragile, strong, reckless, obedient, brave, or anxious. Through conscious awareness, we can connect to all our parts and heal them.
“If your compassion does not
include yourself, it is incomplete”
Inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS)
The IFS model views the mind as being made of multiple parts, and underlying them is a person’s core Self. The goal of understanding our parts is to develop real, tangible self-compassion.
This project taught me how to practice active self compassion by exploring my parts and developing a relationship to them through art.
