Filipino Psychology and Nature (with Carl Lorenz Cervantes)

Summary

Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes, a registered psychologist, delves into Filipino folk psychology, exploring concepts like 'kinia' and animism. He discusses how Filipinos' connection to nature and ancestors reflects in their cultural consciousness and values, such as 'Kapa.' Cervantes emphasizes the importance of a contextual worldview that values harmony and sustainability over the dominant paradigm of competition and hoarding. He advocates for a mindful participation in the world, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern innovation to create a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes is a registered psychologist focusing on Filipino folk psychology and the intuitive understanding of the collective cultural consciousness.
• 🌲 Animism is a key belief in Filipino culture, suggesting that nature is filled with spirits and that there's a deep connection between humans, ancestors, and the natural world.
• 🏡 Even in urban spaces, Filipino culture retains echoes of animism, with practices like asking permission before entering certain areas or performing rituals before cutting down trees.
• 👥 Kapwa is a core Filipino cultural value emphasizing shared identity and a sense of 'us', which is central to social interactions and cultural understanding.
• 🌐 The S Mundo model introduced by Cervantes illustrates the self as part of a larger whole, with 'S' representing the individual, 'Kapa' representing shared identity, and 'Mundo' representing the world.
• 🌿 Animism and the concept of 'usess' or 'Kapa' involve treating all aspects of life with respect, including nature spirits, ancestors, animals, plants, and natural elements.
• 🌱 The idea of 'Gaba' reflects a cosmic process where actions have natural consequences, aligning with the concept of karma and the interconnectedness of all things.
• 🌌 Human history is a tiny fraction of the Earth's timeline, emphasizing the need for sustainability and respect for the planet that has sustained life for billions of years.
• 🔄 The dominant worldview often prioritizes domination and integration, whereas a contextual worldview values collaboration, harmony, and the complexity of individual parts.
• 🌍 Recovering intuitive cultural wisdom and applying it to modern innovations and technology can lead to a more sustainable and harmonious future for humanity.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes' work?

Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes' work focuses on Filipino folk psychology, specifically what Zeus Salazar called 'kinia', which are lay theories or common sense psychology that are intuitively understood and expressed through language and culture.

How does Carl relate the concept of 'kinia' to the Filipino culture?

Carl relates 'kinia' to the Filipino culture by exploring the words and folklore that show an access into the collective cultural consciousness, reflecting the understanding of cosmic processes and relationships with gods, heroes, and animist worldviews.

What is animism and how is it connected to the Filipino culture?

Animism is a belief that the world is filled with spirits, especially in nature. In Filipino culture, remnants of animism are seen in practices like asking for permission before crossing forests or grass areas, and the belief that nature spirits are ancestors whose names have been forgotten.

Can animism be practiced in urban spaces according to Carl?

Yes, Carl believes that animism can be practiced in urban spaces as these areas still contain echoes of memory and the horrors of history. He mentions that old trees are respected and rituals are performed before cutting them down, indicating the presence of spirits.

What is 'Kapa' and how does it influence Filipino cultural values?

'Kapa' is a core Filipino cultural value that represents a sense of shared identity and belongingness. It is considered the center around which other cultural values and social interactions are shaped, emphasizing the experience of 'pikam' or 'pikasa'.

How does Carl use the term 'Mundo' in the context of Filipino psychology?

Carl uses the term 'Mundo' to represent the world or universe in the S Mundo model, which illustrates that the self (S) is part of 'Kapa' (us/ess), which in turn is part of 'Mundo'. He chooses 'Mundo' over 'Universe' because it is a term commonly used in the local language to express the idea of 'my world' in a poetic sense.

What is the S Mundo model and how does it relate to the self?

The S Mundo model is a representation of the self as part of a larger ecological context. It consists of three circles: S (self), Kapa (us/ess), and Mundo (world). The model is not linear but inclusive, emphasizing the interconnectedness and harmony of individual parts within the whole.

How does Carl view the dominant worldview and its impact on society?

Carl views the dominant worldview, largely Western and colonial, as one that prioritizes domination and integration, leading to homogenization and waste. He suggests an alternative contextual worldview that focuses on collaboration, harmony, and sustainability.

What role does the concept of 'Gaba' play in Carl's discussion of cosmic processes?

The concept of 'Gaba' is used by Carl to illustrate the natural cosmic process of cause and effect, or karma. It implies that actions have consequences, and this concept is used to encourage respect and mindful consumption of nature and resources.

How does Carl suggest we can make a positive change in the world?

Carl suggests that positive change starts with a change of the inner self and recovering intuitive cultural wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of participating in the world mindfully, embracing indigenous knowledge, and working collectively to achieve sustainability and harmony.

What is the significance of the term 'Bahala' in Carl's discussion?

The term 'Bahala' is significant as it reflects a cultural resilience and the strength to carry on despite uncertainty. Carl explains that it's not about giving up but finding the strength to continue, which is crucial for facing anxiety and making positive changes.