Uts-the Physical Self.pdf

Unpacking the Self:

The Physical Self

The Concept of the Physical Self Physical Self refers to the body, this marvelous container and complex, finely tuned, machine with which we interface with our environment and fellow beings.

The Physical Self is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and examined.

The Concept of the Physical Self However, this aspect of

William James considered body as

our self seems to have the initial source of sensation and been left behind. But still, necessary for the origin and some theories emphasize maintenance of personality. the importance of the physical self. For Erik Erikson, the role of bodily organs is especially important in early developmental stages of a person’s life. The Indian tradition views growth and enlightenment as the whole body event, which is not possible until one has a pure and strong body.

The Concept of the Physical Self As a biological entity, the body has a functional role, but as a social entity it is the most visible way of expressing and presenting someone's identity. It conveys important messages about social status and subculture membership; in turn, it receives messages from the outside

The Concept of the Physical Self Research found that a person who is perceived as attractive makes more money than a person of below-average looks. In politics, voters who are not actively engaged in social and political issues choose candidates based on “looks” 90% of the time.

May be attributed to a cognitive bias called the “halo effect”. A cognitive bias is an error in reasoning, evaluating, remembering, or any other mental process that is often a result of holding on to one’s preferences and beliefs regardless of contrary information.

The “halo effect” refers to the tendency of people to rate attractive individuals more favourable for their personality traits or characteristics as compared to those who are less attractive.

In search of beauty…

Standards of Beauty? Symmetry defined not with proportions, but rather with similarity between the left and right sides of the face

Model Gigi Hadid

Standards of Beauty? Biologists had also hypothesized that we prefer faces that epitomize the ‘manliness’ or ‘femininity’ of their gender

It was only in the most urbanized regions that they found the strong attraction to more masculine men and more feminine women; in the smaller, more remote communities, many women actually preferred the more “feminine” looking men.

Beauty and selfexpressions across cultures

Since birth, the socialized body is subjected to cultural norms. The attitude towards the body and the bodily practices reflect the value constellation of each particular society.

Karo tribes in Omo Valley, Ethiopia

Neck rings

Foot binding in China

Scarification

Body Modification

Beauty through Time…

Is Physical Beauty Important? Body image is how you view your physical body, whether you feel you are attractive, and how you feel some other people like your looks. For many people (especially teenagers) body image is closely linked to self-esteem.

If you have a positive body image, you probably like and accept yourself the way you are, even if you do not fit the popular notion of “beautiful” or “handsome”.

For many as their body changes, so does their image of themselves. So it is very important to re-frame the way we view, think and talk about our physical selves.

Recognize that your body is your own, no matter what shape or size it comes in. Try to focus on how strong and healthy your body is and the things it can do, not what’s wrong with it or what you feel you want to change about it. No one’s business but your own what your body is likeultimately, you have to be happy with yourself

Identify which aspects of your appearance you can realistically change and which you can’t. Humans by definition are imperfect. It’s what makes each of us unique and original. Everyone has things they can’t change for instance their height, and shoe size. Remind yourself that “ real people aren’t perfect and perfect people aren’t real.

If there are things about yourself that you want to change and can, do this by making goals for yourself. For example if you want to lose get fit, make a plan to exercise every day and eat healthy. Meeting a challenge you set yourself is a great way to boost selfesteem

When you hear negative comments coming from within, tell yourself to stop. Appreciate that each person is more than just how he or she looks on a given day. We are complex and constantly changing. Try to focus on what’s unique and interesting about yourself.

Try building your selfesteem by giving yourself three compliments every day. By focusing on the good things you do and the positive aspects of your life, you can change how you feel about yourself.