The Psychology Of Self

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SELF AL MA’ROOF LECTURE SERIES SESSION – 1 DATE: 06.06.2009 TIME: 7.00 PM

- Yasir Ahmed

The story of Osama ibn Zayeed

The self perception of the Muslim Ummah

What is self psychology ? Its not just about feeling good about yourself Its not a quick fix The sky is the limit The rewards of a positive self image

“I cannot think of a single psychological problem from anxiety and depression, to fear of intimacy or of success, to alcohol or drug abuse to underachievement at school or at work, to spouse battering or child molestation to sexual dysfunction or emotional immaturity to suicide and crimes of violence, that is not traceable to the problem of poor self esteem” - Dr. Nathaniel Branden, Psychotherapist

References : The psychology of high self esteem by Dr.

Nathaniel Branden Self Image Psychology by Br. Yasir Fazaaqa

Self Concept What is self concept ? Self concept is destiny Some questions to ask.. Self concept reflects ambitions Passive resignation

Living consciously Consciousness is not automatic A commitment to awareness John and Jim at work Why people choose to live unconsciously

Living consciously (cont..) Living consciously is to pay attention to what brings

you joy and sorrow

Living consciously means to take responsibility for the

choices of your actions and results

Consciousness is not equal in all areas of life The tragedy of living unconsciously Some questions to ask..

Self acceptance This is the challenge of living consciously Lets start with the physical aspect In a party.. Accepting reality – You cannot leave a place you

haven’t been in

Self acceptance (cont..) Acceptance of faults is not the final say on

things Denying assets Self acceptance leads to change in behaviour

Guilt Why we suffer from guilt – By whose value

systems do you judge your behaviour ? Pseudo guilt – undealt resentment Dealing with legitimate guilt Getting rid of it

Guilt (cont..) Generalising our faults Guilty of assets ? Allah wants you to be progressive – suffering

is easy

The self at relationships The pain and challenge of leaving home The more we work on ourselves, the more

appropriate our relationships

Good friends are compassionate but not self

sacrificing

Choosing the right friend – The blacksmith and

the perfume seller

Allah honours the human being !

Thank you