Spiritual and Political Self

GULAY, Estelle Theresa T.
June 18, 2021

BS Psychology 1-1 UTS 0003-8
SPIRITUAL SELF: REFLECTION PAPER
The spiritual self is a part of oneself that highlights the human-body connection. According
to the Hoffman institute, the spiritual self is a person’s authentic self that is considered one’s most
beautiful and powerful form. As important as the spiritual self is, this I believe is the part of myself
that I am mostly ignorant of and mostly neglected.
When I heard the phrase “spiritual self”, the thing that comes to my mind is one’s religion.
However, it has been evident that religion isn’t the only aspect that makes up a person’s spiritual
self. One of the related concepts with regards to the spiritual self is supernatural beliefs. These
beliefs include all that cannot be explained by the laws of nature or science itself. In the
Philippines, supernatural beliefs are embraced and are part of most Filipino’s culture. This includes
‘animism’ or the belief that everything in nature has its spirit or divinity. As for me, there are
supernatural beliefs that I believe in and practice in my daily life. Some of these include the concept
of “tabi-tabi po”, nuno sa punso, and the belief that the soul is separated from the body upon death.
Another concept related to the spiritual self is magic and witchcraft. When I saw this phrase, the
first thing that came into my mind was the movie Harry Potter, as well as the magic tricks I enjoyed
watching during birthday parties when I was a kid or the magic acts that I watch from talent shows.
However, I have come to know that this concept also includes the Filipino beliefs of barang,
kulam, albularyo, etc. Unfortunately, supernatural beliefs, magic, and witchcraft are concepts I do
not quite believe in. These are beliefs that I am aware of but do not fully embrace. On the other
side, I believe the part of the spiritual self that plays a huge role in my identity is my religion.
Religion, as defined, is an organized set of beliefs, practices, rituals, and symbols that increases an
individual’s connection to a sacred or transcendent other. I am a Roman Catholic and I belong to
the population of Christians. However, although I identify myself with Christianity, I do not have
a very close relationship with God, and a deep understanding of my spiritual self. As I have said,
this part of myself is the aspect that I am mostly ignorant of and I often ignore.
On the other side, the concept related to one’s spiritual self that hugely caught my attention
was finding and creating meaning in life. It allowed me to ponder and look into the life I’m living.
As I examined the meaning of life, it enlightened me that life is not perfect and it is normal to
experience ups and downs. This gave me the strength to continue despite the challenges I am
currently facing due to academic stress. Aside from this, I also looked into my will or my life’s
purpose as a motivation to continue and strive harder. As of the moment, I believe that my purpose
is to serve my citizens and provide them the best healthcare they could receive. This goal of mine
will be my strength in each and every moment where I find myself on the verge of giving up.
GULAY, Estelle Theresa T. June 18, 2021
BS Psychology 1-1 UTS 0003-8
POLITICAL SELF: REFLECTION PAPER
In today’s digital era where political perspectives and opinions are easily shared and
proliferated, a person’s political self undoubtedly plays a huge role in everyone's lives. Political
self, based on the phrase, is our sense of self concerning politics. One of the essential qualities of
a person’s political self is one’s ability to decide for others through their influence. Leadership,
leadership styles, social influence, and developing Filipino identity are concepts associated with
political self.
In terms of leadership, I consider myself as a follower, and not a leader in nature. However,
in times when there is a need to step up, I would always volunteer to lead. Based on my experiences
as a leader, I would consider myself a democratic leader. I would always communicate with my
people, and assess their needs, perspectives, strength, and weaknesses as factors for decision-
making. Although leading a group is something that I believe I do not excel with, it is something
that I enjoy doing. This does not only pertains to ‘leading’ but also serving other people. It is quite
regretful that I didn’t apply to become a student leader during this year since I was skeptical in
terms of time management. Despite this regretful experience, it enlightened me of the fact that
leading and serving my fellow students is one of the things I enjoy doing, and I need to do. Hence,
I hope in the succeeding year, I can find the confidence to do so.
This aspiration to serve and to contribute to people is not only limited to this academic
institution. My desire to serve also encompasses my nation and my fellow Filipinos whom I believe
are suffering due to poor governance. Hence, I would like to contribute to my country by providing
aid in donations, propagation of information, and any other services and actions that would
contribute to the betterment of my fellow citizens, especially those who are vulnerable and are in
drastic need of help. At the same time, I would serve as a voice for the voiceless and share my
political beliefs through social media, hoping that this act would influence others and open the
eyes of those who are still unaware of the reality of our country, while at the same time, still
considering and respecting other people. Lastly, as a Filipino, I would always apply the positive
Filipino values we are known for in my everyday life.

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GULAY, Estelle Theresa T.

June 18, 2021

SPIRITUAL SELF: REFLECTION PAPER

POLITICAL SELF: REFLECTION PAPER

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