How Playing Random Question Helps Me Connect With My Parts
Using random questions to explore my Internal Family Systems
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
One of my favorite things to do is to play the game Random Question as a way to connect with my parts. I practice Internal Family Systems Therapy and I love playing this game. It helps me gain insight into how my parts think and feel about certain foods, activities, and situations.
What is Internal Family Systems you may ask?
Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome.
This game has by far been the best tool in my arsenal when it comes to developing a friendship with my parts. I found that being curious about their thoughts and feelings helped me to better understand not only them but my Self, also. I have learned that I have a few very insightful parts and some pretty hilarious ones. I know only one part likes to play my favorite game Sudoku, and every part loves pizza.
How does the game work? It works exactly as it sounds. You choose any topic you want and start asking questions in your mind. Questions such as, what is your favorite food, how do you feel when you are around so and so, what did you like or not like about today?
If you have never worked with your parts before, then it may feel weird to be asking questions in your mind and expecting a reply. However, as you become more aware of your parts, they may reply either by thought, voice, image, or a sensation in your body. This can take some time as most people aren’t even aware they have parts.
If you are aware of your parts, then you have probably been trying to keep them quiet for years. So be patient with them, as they aren’t accustom to you asking questions and really wanting to hear their replies. This will be a whole new experience for all involved.
As they start to engage with you, show compassion and curiosity about their responses. This is how you develop a friendship with them. Remember, the goal is to get to know your parts, that way you can help them to start the healing process.
Originally published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself on Medium