Kaluluwa, Kapwa, Kalikasan (Soul, Community, Nature)

Summary

Carl Cervantes, a psychologist and researcher, discusses Filipino psychology and the importance of authenticity in personal and cultural identity. He introduces the concepts of 'loob' and 'labas' to explain the inner and outer self, emphasizing the need for alignment between the two for true transformation. Cervantes advocates for a shift from a competitive, individualistic mindset to a collaborative, inclusive worldview that values community and nature, drawing on indigenous principles to guide personal and societal growth.

Takeaways

• 🔍 **Reminder of Knowledge**: The speaker emphasizes that the talk aims to remind listeners of knowledge they may already possess but have forgotten due to life's complexities.
• 👥 **Focus on Filipino Psychology**: The discussion centers around Filipino psychology, specifically the integration of transpersonal and spiritual perspectives.
• 🌱 **Decolonization and Indigenization**: The talk highlights the practice of decolonization and indigenization, advocating for the use of culturally relevant and authentic tools for personal and collective liberation.
• 💡 **Authenticity and Inner Self**: Authenticity is presented as a key value, emphasizing the importance of connecting one's inner self with external expressions for meaningful change.
• 🔄 **Circular Frameworks**: The speaker introduces a circular framework rooted in Filipino indigenous psychology, contrasting linear Western models, and emphasizing interconnectedness.
• 💞 **Concept of 'Loob' and 'Labas'**: The talk explains the concepts of ‘Loob’ (inner self) and ‘Labas’ (external self), and how authentic actions must originate from the 'Loob' to truly reflect one's values and beliefs.
• 🌿 **Interconnected Gardens Metaphor**: The speaker uses the metaphor of a garden to describe the inner self and the connections between individuals, highlighting an ecology of care and interdependence.
• 🔄 **Shift from 'Kanya' to 'Tao'**: The speaker distinguishes between the 'Kanya' (individualistic) and 'Tao' (collective) worldviews, advocating for inclusivity, collaboration, and a deeper sense of shared humanity.
• 🌀 **Contextual Relationships**: Emphasis is placed on understanding oneself and the world in relation to others, rather than through individualist and hierarchical views.
• 🌍 **Connection with Nature and Spirits**: The speaker discusses the need to reconnect with nature, spirits, and ancestral lands to achieve harmony and sustainability, viewing the earth as a shared and interconnected space.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Carl Cervantes' work as a psychologist?

Carl Cervantes focuses on Filipino psychology and transpersonal psychology, particularly on its spiritual aspects.

What does Carl Cervantes mean by 'decolonization and indigenization' as a practice?

Carl Cervantes describes decolonization and indigenization as practices of reconnecting with authentic cultural values and tools, which are shared and useful for creating meaningful change, rather than solely being for individual or cultural benefit.

Why does Cervantes emphasize the importance of authenticity in personal and cultural identity?

Cervantes believes that authenticity, both personal and cultural, is crucial because it reflects a genuine connection with one’s inner self, which is interconnected with the external world. Authenticity is foundational for real transformation and meaningful change.

What metaphor does Cervantes use to describe the relationship between the inner and outer self?

Cervantes uses the metaphor of a garden, where the inner self is like a house inside the garden. What one nourishes in this garden is what blooms, reflecting the idea that authenticity must come from within and be expressed outwardly.

What is 'loob' and 'labas' in Filipino psychology as explained by Cervantes?

In Filipino psychology, 'loob' refers to the deepest part of the self, including moral, ethical, and intellectual aspects, while 'labas' refers to external expressions and how one presents themselves to the outside world.

How does Cervantes describe the Western concept of individualism in contrast to the Filipino worldview?

Cervantes contrasts the Western concept of individualism, which emphasizes hierarchy, competition, and domination, with the Filipino worldview of interconnectedness ('kapwa'), which focuses on inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability.

What does 'kapwa' represent in the Filipino worldview?

Kapwa represents shared identity and interconnectedness in the Filipino worldview. It highlights the importance of relationships, including not only with people but also with nature and spiritual entities.

How does Cervantes explain the relationship between humanity and nature in the Filipino worldview?

Cervantes explains that in the Filipino worldview, humanity is inherently connected with nature and spiritual forces. This connection implies that survival depends on harmony with the ecology of the self, community, and the natural world.

What does Cervantes mean by 'spiritual narcissism,' and how does it relate to the higher self concept?

Cervantes criticizes 'spiritual narcissism' as focusing on elevating oneself, like the concept of the higher self, at the expense of genuine connection with others and the environment. He advocates for striving to be one’s 'truest self' instead of focusing on being a 'highest self.'

What is the significance of circles versus lines in Cervantes' framework?

Cervantes uses the concept of circles to represent interconnectedness, sustainability, and context, while lines represent linear thinking, competition, and hierarchy. He advocates for thinking in circles to better understand and address shared issues.