METRO DUMAGUETE COLLEGE

E.J. Blanco Drive Extension, Brgy.

Daro, Dumaguete City, Philippines
6200

DIPLOMA IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Training Plan

Course: DIPLOMA IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Units of UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Competency:

Module Title:
UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Duration: 54 HOURS

Modality: Check which modality will be applied. Multi-modal is allowed.

( )Full on-line (/) Blended online (/)Distance Learning

Learning
Contents Learning Resources
Outcomes

LO 1: Discuss Chapter 1. Defining the *MADELS:

the different elf: Personal and
* CBLM/OBE
representations Development Perspectives
and on Self and Identity Information Sheets
conceptualizati
 The Self from Task Sheet
on of the self
Various
from various Philosophical
disciplinal Perspective
perspectives.  The Self, Society,
and Culture
LO 2. Compare Check Learning Materials on
and contrast CBC/OBE
how the self
has been
represented Could be:
across different
disciplines and 1. Reading materials
perspectives. 2. Online presentation
3. Video Presentations

LO 3: Examine Chapter 1. Defining the *MADELS:

the different elf: Personal and
* CBLM/OBE
influences, Development Perspectives
factors, and on Self and Identity Information Sheets
forces that
 The Self in Task Sheet
shape the self.
Western and
Eastern
Thoughts

Check Learning Materials on

CBC/OBE

Could be:

1. Reading materials
2. Online presentation
3. Video Presentations
LO 4. Chapter 1. Defining the *MADELS:
Demonstrate elf: Personal and
* CBLM/OBE
critical and Development Perspectives
reflective on Self and Identity Information Sheets
thought in
 The Self as Task Sheet
analyzing the
Cognitive
development of Construct
one's self and
identity by
developing a
Check Learning Materials on
theory of the
CBC/OBE
self.

Could be:

1. Reading materials
2. Online presentation
3. Video Presentations

LO 5. Explore *MADELS:
the different Chapter 2. Unpacking the
Self * CBLM/OBE
aspects of self
 The Physical and
and identity. Information Sheets
Sexual Self
 To Buy or Not to
Task Sheet
Buy? That is the
questions

Check Learning Materials on

CBC/OBE
 Could be:

1. Reading materials
2. Online presentation
3. Video Presentations

LO 6. Chapter 2. Unpacking the *MADELS:

Demonstrate Self
 Supernaturals: * CBLM/OBE
critical and
Believe It or Not
reflective Information Sheets
 The Political Self
thought in and Being
integrating the Task Sheet
Filipino
various aspects
of self-identity.

Check Learning Materials on

CBC/OBE

Could be:

1. Reading materials
2. Online presentation
3. Video Presentations

LO 7. Identify Chapter 2. Unpacking the *MADELS:

the different Self
 Whom Am I in * CBLM/OBE
forces and
the Cyberworld
institutions that Information Sheets
(Digital Self)
impact the
development of Task Sheet
various aspects
of self and
identity.

Check Learning Materials on

CBC/OBE
 Could be:

1. Reading materials
2. Online presentation
3. Video Presentations

Lo 8. Examine Chapter 3. Managing and

one's self Caring for the Self.
against the  Learning to Be a
Better Learner
different
aspects of self-
discussed in
class.

LO 9. Chapter 3. Managing and

Understand the Caring for the Self.
theoretical  Do Not Just
Dream, make it
underpinnings
Happen
for how to
manage and
care for
different
aspects of the
self.

LO 10. Acquire Chapter 3. Managing and

and hone new Caring for the Self.
skills and  Less Stress,
More Care
learning’s for
better
managing of
one's self and
behaviors.
LO 11. Apply
these news
skills to one's
self and
functioning for
a better quality
of life.

E-Learning Infrastructure Requirement Name of Application

(/) LMS Goole Classroom/MADELS

using MOODLE 5.1

or Others: ● Goole Classroom/MADELS

using MOODLE 5.2
( ) application that provides
access to the digital content
and any shared resources
anywhere, anytime

( ) application that allows Google Meet

communication between the
FB Messenger Group Call
trainers and peers
synchronous and
asynchronous; and

( ) application that allows ● Goole Classroom using

administration of assessment Google Forms
of learning outcomes ● MADELS using MOODLE
5.3
 Topic 1: The Self from Various Philosophical Perspectives

Do we really understand our self? How does anyone understand oneself? Have
we fully understood ourselves and accepted who we are today? - These might
be some of the questions that have probably crossed our minds at one point
in our lives. In this course, “Understanding the Self”, we will unveil so many
factors that have directly and indirectly contributed to the very persons we
have become today. This might open avenues in re-discovering oneself in
terms of our knowledge, abilities and skills to solve problems presented to us
at any point in our lives. But before we explore further, let me take you to a
“throwback” episode were great Philosophers from ancient times have studied
about how Man thinks about the world, how it works and its connection to the
nature of the universe.

This module will talk about some of the Great Philosophers who tried to study
the very nature of man in its environment.

1. SOCRATES.
 According to his studies every “person is dualistic”. A man is
consisting of its body and soul wherein the Body is the imperfect
and permanent aspect while the Soul is the perfect and
permanent one.

Meaning to say, an individual should not focus more

attention on the physicality of appearance but on the beauty
and richness of the soul. No matter how we alter our
physical state through cosmetics, flashy personal effects
and even surgical alteration our body will still be imperfect.
However, he pushes Man to devote more on the perfect
aspect of self which is the soul.

 He also states that “the unexamined life is not worth living”

and “The worst thing that can happen to anyone is to live
but die inside”.

In other words, a person has to know the value of himself to

himself and other people. Because if you don’t know your self-
worth, you will never know how to share yourself with others. As
the saying goes “No Man is an island”- he has to connect with
 other people and by connecting you share the very essence of
yourself in terms of sharing your talent, resources and affection.

In lined with this, you can never give what you don’t have. You
must value self-worth which is an internal state of being that
comes from self-understanding, self-love, and self-acceptance. If
you have and practiced all this everything follows.

There are times when young adults like you, have difficulty
in building good relationship with others because they have
not fully understood themselves and have felt like dying
every day feeling worthless and insignificant. This is most
seen in the conflicts of parents and their children, sibling-
rivalry, and peer pressure.

Never measure your worth by comparing yourself to others.

Measuring yourself is not by external actions but more
about valuing your inherent worth as a person. Basing
one’s self-worth on external factors might turn out to be
harmful to one’s mental health. Being a camaraderie with
someone supports and important role in the aspect of
encouragement, building confidence, positive influence and
keeping you active.

2. PLATO. Widely known as the Teacher of Aristotle and student of

Socrates.
 He further elaborates that the Soul has three (3) components:
1. Rational soul - this is the reason and intellect that governs all
affairs.
2. Spiritual soul - dictates certain emotions should be kept at bay.
3. Appetitive soul – controls the base desires like food, drink,
sleep, sexual needs, etc.

When these 3 components are attained, the human person’s soul

becomes JUST & VIRTUOUS.
 In his magnum opus, The Republic (Plato 2000), Plato
emphasizes that justice in the human person can only be
attained if the three parts of the soul; rational, spirited and
appetitive soul, are working harmoniously with one
another.

 He showed, which according to him, a solution to the problem of

universals which known as Platonism;
1. Platonic Love- a special emotional and spiritual relationship
between two people who shares common interests, like
spiritual connections, hobbies, or even similar worldviews. This
does not involve any type of sexual involvement. Some create
camaraderie for some personal reasons or because of one’s
profession.
2. Platonic Solids- in this, he associated each of the four classical
elements (earth, water, air and fire) with a regular solid
 Earth- lumpish/ rough, packable cubes
 Water- droplety icosahedra
 Air- smooth-sliding octahedral
 Fire- sharp-pointed tetrahedral

3. IMMANUEL KANT.
 A German Philosopher who is known for arguing that space, time,
and causation are mere sensibilities; “things-in-themselves”
exists, but their nature is unknowable. He states that time, space,
etc. are ideas that one cannot find in the world, but is built in our
minds. The MIND regulates all perception/sensation of
impressions. It is the Mind that shapes and structures experience,
with all human experience sharing certain structural features.

This simply explains that what we perceived through our senses

like what we see, hear, smell, taste or touch creates an impression
of a certain situation or towards a certain person on that specific
time and space. We don’t see time but we feel the urgency and
necessity of it. A very concrete example of this is when you come
across a stranger who smiles and greets you good morning in the
street upon coming to school. The moment you see the smile from
his face, your mind processes it and raises some of your happy
 hormones which make you feel good and warmth and would
create an impression that the person you come across with is a
nice person. At the very moment your mind has created a very
good impression on that person that is very much vivid in your
mind only.

Even if reality itself, we have laws and rules to follow. This things
being mandated for us could not simply migrate over to our mind
or imprint to our system while our mind is entirely passive. It is a
condition of self- consciousness in order to learn from our
experience that there are law-governed regularities in the world.
We need active intelligence to synthesize knowledge and
experience because for him, the self is not only personality but
also the seat of knowledge.

4. ST. AUGUSTINE. A spiritual man from medieval philosophy following

the view of Plato but adds Christianity.
 He states that man is a bifurcated nature. Part of him dwells in
the world and yearns to be with the Divine. The body dies on earth
and the soul goes to heaven. The body of the human is similar to
animals/objects, but what makes him human is his essence.
 So, what makes us people different from animals? – The SOUL is
what makes us HUMANS.

Since, St. Augustine is of spiritual in background; his

teachings about the understanding of man are of Divine in
nature. Just like, the two other philosophers discussed
earlier; it is in the perfection of the soul that makes a man
who he is.

Human should live with morality and yearns to be divine but

there is an aspect of man, apart from the one which dwells
the world, who is capable of reaching immorality.
Everyone should live having a goal which is to attain with
this communion and bliss with the Divine by living his life on
earth with virtue.
 5. RENE DESCARTES. Father of Modern Philosophy.
 In his teaching, he thought of a Human person is with BODY and
MIND.
 “I think, therefore I am” – He states that the body is a machine
attached to the mind and it is the mind that makes the man. The
self is the cogito (the thing that thinks and extenza is the
extension of mind and body.
 “I AM A THINKING THING…a thing that doubts, understands,
affirms, denies, wills, refuses, imagines, perceives.”

Rene Descartes is a man of science and has a vast

contribution in the different fields of discipline. That is
probably why he is very fond of the Mind not of the Soul
unlike the previous philosophers we have discussed. He
states that the only thing one can’t doubt is the existence of
the SELF which is a thinking thing and whatever it decides
to think it creates. A very basic example of this is when a
person thinks that he can’t perform a certain task on time
he will never make it. But if he believes that he can finish
the task and deliver it on time he will find ways on how to
accomplish it. It is simply like mind over matter. Therefore,
if a person cultivates a positive, open and optimistic mind
he will easily overcome obstacles presented to him because
his mind is primed to think positive and is solution driven.
However, if a person thinks otherwise he will definitely
succumb to failure and defeat.

For him, body is nothing else but a machine that is attached

to the mind. The person has it but it is not what makes man
a man, it is the mind.

ACTIVITY: Write an essay about your Self. Choose one Philosopher whose
philosophy or teachings have given you more insights on understanding your
Self better.
Reference: For further readings and explanation please refer to the links
below.

1. https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/understanding-the-self-lecture-
1-philosophical-perspectives?qid=9c3bfff9-d3be-413e-b882-
77aca6920fa6&v=&b=&from_search=1
2. https://www.thelivemirror.com/greatest-philosophers-of-all-time/
3. www.psychologytoday.com
 Topic 2: The Social Self and Socialization
(George Herbert Mead)

Another way to understand the Self better is through its relationship

with society. One of the best sociologists the world has ever produced
is George Herbert Mead. He is a sociologist from the late 1800’s and is
very much known for his theory of the Social Self, which includes the
concepts of “self”, ”me”, and “I”. For young learners like you, you
might be wondering what sociology means? And why is there a need to
study about it?

Sociology is defined as the study of human social relationships and institution.

It is necessary to understand how the self is formed at the societal level

to be able to shed light on how he behaves and responds to certain daily
struggles of life. By understanding his social environment one might be
able to explain why certain crimes are committed, why poverty and
wealth inequality is present, why prejudice and discrimination is felt in
some parts of the world.

Mead’s theory of Social Self is based on the perspective that the self emerges
from social interactions such as:
 observing and interacting with others
 responding to other’s opinions about oneself
 and internalizing external opinions and internal feelings about oneself
He further explains that the self is not there from birth but it is developed over
time from social experiences and activities.

Then, you might be asking: Is my SELF pre-made?, in-born?, inherited?-

NO. Based on Mead’s theory what makes of your Self today is a product
of all social factors and influences you have acquired while growing up.
If you usually wake up early, tidy your room, wash your face before
having breakfast everyday – this might be the influence from a home
whose discipline is strictly observed because probably you came from a
strict military parents.

As the person develops three activities to develop the self also happens,
namely;

Language develops self by allowing individuals to respond to each other

through symbols, gestures, words, and sounds.
 A very recent example are the emoticons you post on your friends’ social
account walls to express the emotions you are feeling over certain
things. You connect and understand each other through the digital icons
available as a language of communication, right.

Play develops self by allowing individuals to take different roles,

pretend, and express expectations of others. Play develops one’s self-
consciousness through role-playing.

I know all of us have experienced playing pretend at one point in our

childhood. Pretending to be the Father or Mother of the house –“bahay-
bahayan”. What is expected of the role of a father? Probably, a figure
that comes home bringing “pancit” from work and shared by the
household. Or probably, a mother who prepares the meal and calls the
children to eat together. I must say that the very people who influence
an individual to develop oneself are the members of the family unit
where he lives in, after all this is the first social unit he encounters after
he is born.

Games develop self by allowing individuals to understand and adhere

to the rules of the activity. Self is developed by understanding that
there are rules in which one must abide by in order to win the game or
be successful at an activity.

Any form of game, may it be formal or informal, is a very essential factor

in developing one’s self. This is where a young child follows certain rules
agreed upon by friends and playmates on how to win a game. This is
where how one’s emotions are handled in times of triumph and defeat.
The sportsmanship and camaraderie established among playgroups
build self-esteem and self-discovery. Games played in your younger
years serve as deposits of positive regard towards a better self.

According to Mead, there are two sides of the SELF:

The “me”, is considered as the socialized aspect of the individual. The “me”
represents the learned behaviors, attitudes, and expectations of others and of
society. The “I” on the other hand, can be considered the present and future
base of the self. It represents the individual’s identity based on response to
the “me”.

Therefore, the self is developed by the social influences learned by the

“me” which develops the very “I” of the present self.
Mead also talked about the different agents of Socialization which affect the
development of the Self. They are as follows:

1. The family
 Families introduce children to the expectations of society.
 Socialization is different based on race, gender and class.
2. The Media
 The average young person (age 8-19) spends 6 ¾ hours per day
immersed in media in various forms, often using multiple media
forms simultaneously.
 Television is the dominant medium, although half of all youth use
a computer daily.
3. Peers
 For children, peer culture is an important source of identity.
 Through interaction with peers, children learn concepts of self,
gain social skills, and form values and attitudes.

4. Religion
 Children tend to develop the same religious beliefs as their
parents.
 Those who disavow religion return to their original faith at some
point in their life, especially if they have strong ties to their family
of origin and after they form families of their own.
5. Sports
 Through sports, men and women learn concepts of self.
 Men learn that being competitive in sports is considered a part of
“manhood”.
6. Schools
 In school, teachers and other students are the source of
expectations that encourage children to think and behave in
particular ways.
 Research finds that teachers respond differently to boys than to
girls, with boys receiving more of their attention.

References:

1. https://www.slideshare.net/ArnoldDelfin1/social-self-
socialization?qid=c931847c-e28e-4934-877c-
b030fbf8bd2c&v=&b=&from_search=2
2. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00mkmxPCYS_DEsmMRz
Qeqj5dvrU7A%3A1595401047098&source=hp&ei=V-
 Activity: The Social Self and Socialization

Instruction: Write on the space provided what is being asked from each
box. Please be truthful and honest in answering the questions as much as
possible.

I AM SPECIAL AND UNIQUE

A compliment that Good qualities that my What I like to do for

someone has given friends or family would fun:
me: use to describe me:

2- words that I would MY NAME 2-Things that I am

use to describe myself: good at:
One good deed that I One thing that most One thing that makes
have done for people don’t know me laugh:
someone: about me:
 Topic 3: The Self and Person in Contemporary Anthropology

It is best to study Man in a more “holistic’ way – an approach

wherein there is a comprehensive method in studying its parts or
aspects in relation to the reference of the whole. In the field of
Anthropology, we answer the question: What does it mean to be
Human.

The word Anthropology is derived from two Greek words:

Antropos – means Human
Logos – means study.

Basically Anthropology is the study of Human as both Biological

and Social creature. It starts from the evolution of Humans as a
species to our present time. It also encompasses their origins,
development and contemporary variations whether and whenever
they have been found on the face of the earth (Ember, Ember,
and Peregrine, 2010).

However, there are five sub-disciplines of Anthropology with specific

contributions to the study of man.

1. Archeology. This is the study of man where it examines the

remains of ancient and historical human populations to promote
an understanding of how humans adapted to their environment
and developed.

My favorite example of this is the amazing archeological site of

the Pyramid of Giza. Archeologists were able to retrieve the body
of King Tutankhamun or famously known as the “Boy-King” of
Egypt. From this discovery, so much was revealed on how
Egyptians lived their lives and how this king ruled Egypt during his
time. The elaborate ritual of life after death has a strong
manifestation from the personal effects seen in his tomb to assist
him in the netherworld. A full documentary episode of this was
featured in the National Geographic – go check it out in your spare
time.

2. Cultural Anthropology. This deals with the study of society’s

culture through their belief systems, practices and possessions. It
studies about the past and present societies and the language,
traditions, customs and behavior that are both similar and
different from one to another.
 Our Philippine culture evolved from the different foreign
nationalities that colonized us; from the great explorer of Spain –
who introduced Christianity to our country and governed the
Philippine archipelago for over 300 years. The Chinese who have
been our trading partners ever since commerce was invented; the
Japanese occupation – whom we suffered so much atrocities like
the surge of comfort women all over the island during World War-
II and the influence of American novelties like music, arts and
education are still very much felt in our culture today. For me, the
Philippine culture now is an eclectic blend of all the above-
mentioned nationalities not to mention the rise of Korean pop
culture which is slowly invading our entertainment industry –
which I for one, am a fan.

3. Linguistic Anthropology. Examines the language of a group of

people and its relation to their culture.

Our means of communication in the form of spoken language has

also evolved. It starts from our local dialect to the influences of
foreign languages used during colonization. Just like our Filipino
language, most of its root words are of Spanish descent because
of the number of years they have occupied our country. “Lamesa”
- means table for us Filipinos but in reality it is really from the
Spanish word “La Mesa” which means the table.

4. Physical Anthropology. Looks into the Biological development

of Humans and their contemporary variation in the adaptation to
environmental stresses. They examine the physical forms of the
humans and how they function to allow survival and reproduction.

In the high lands of Benguet, Pamapanga and Palawan, we see

indigenous people of the Philippines. They are much shorter, have
kinky hair, wear “bahag” and do not use any footwear. They are
more quick and agile probably because their environment calls for
it especially in securing food through hunting and gardening.

5. Applied Anthropology. Attempts to solve contemporary

problems through the application of theories and approaches of
discipline. The work is usually in local communities helping to
solve problems related to health, education or the environment.
 In the Philippines there are still areas with high rate of Malaria,
like in Palawan. Certain factors are identified and studied why such
disease is still present in that area where most of the Philippine
islands are Malaria-free already. Through this discipline it will help
the community arrest the transmission and help the community
thrive in spite of its current problems.

After all the discussions about the different disciplines on how to study the
human, there is only one word that would collectively summarize how he is
developed – CULTURE. It is everything that a person learns as a member of
a society including his belief system, set of behavior and material possessions.
It is a powerful agent in shaping the decisions and actions of humans in a
given situation. Culture is therefore learned.

Enculturation – the process of learning your own culture.

Most of us Filipinos practice the “mano po” in greeting an elder

where a young member of the family kisses the hand of his elders
on his forehead as a sign of respect and acknowledgment. This is
a typical Filipino culture. The immediate interaction with your
family members and peers makes you learn the values and
accepted behaviors in your society.

Acculturation – culture can be modified to accommodate desirable

traits from other
cultures.

Preference of entertainment towards the Korean pop culture

despite the foreign language.

Decculturation – when the culture of the older generation comes into

conflict with the needs and realities of the younger generation.

A tradition in Japan which imposes immense obligation of the first

born child to be the model child for his siblings has been found as
an instigator of two phenomena:
1. High Child Suicide rate
2. High Educational attainment rate among adolescents.
Now, let’s take a look at certain cultural differences which is acceptable in one
culture but unacceptable or taboo in other culture.

In Ethiopia, Africa – the Mursi tribe wears lip plates as a sign of beauty.
Women are expected to wear them to appear desirable to men. However, in
China, one of the most popular traditions is that of “foot-binding” or “Lotus-
feet” which ensures their potential for good marriage.

Among Muslims, the consumption of pork is not allowed, so cattle are one of
their primary source of meat. On the other hand, In India, cows are venerated,
so consuming beef is considered taboo.

In other words, Man’s development is dynamic and developing.

What the society deems as acceptable behavior right now might
not be true anymore 20-30 years from now. And it pays to know
where we come from and how we evolve to be able to connect our
past to the present. After all, we are mere transient travellers of
this earth, cultures may differ but we are one in the aim for
survival and acceptance in any society we are in right now.
 Topic 4: SELF CONCEPT

What is Self-Concept? It is “the individual's belief about himself or

herself, including the person's attributes and who and what the self is"
(Baumeister, 1999). Different people from all walks of life differ on his concept
about himself. There are so many factors why we differ. It could be influence
by the environment or people we live with, or the set of culture of beliefs our
ancestors have handed down to us from generation to generation. That is why
all human individuals are unique in a very special way because we differ a lot.

Then, why is it important for us to know or understand our self-concept? It is

simply because we want to understand how we behave or respond to certain
circumstances in life. And the behavior we create affects ourselves and others.
That it is why we have to fully recognize the concept of ourselves in order for
us to harmoniously interact with the world around us.

In William James (1890) study of the “Conscious Self”; he was able to

distinguish the two types of Self:

The subjective Self or “I” - The self as a metaphysical fact that

consciousness is subjective: “The Thinker that does the thinking”.
The existence of self.

The objective Self or “Me” - The experience of self. “I see me in the

mirror”.

His conception of the self is highly “introspective” – (Looking inside).

There’s a saying that goes; “Nobody knows you but yourself”. For
example, you are a very introverted type of person. You shy away from
the limelight or the center stage at all times. I see this often among
students who would rather make an essay or take the exam to achieve
a better grade rather than participate in co-curricular activities like
dancing, singing or comical skits in school. The actions that you take
depend so much on how much you understand about yourself in terms
of your capabilities and limitations.

In contrast to the above theory, Charles Horton Cooley created “The

Looking Glass Self” concept in his book on the Human Nature and the Social
Order in 1902. It states that a person’s self grows out of society’s interpersonal
interactions and the perceptions of others. The term refers to people shaping
themselves based on other people’s perception, which leads the people to
reinforce other people’s perspective on themselves. In other words, people
shape themselves based on what other people perceive of them and confirm
other people’s opinion on themselves.

“I am not what I think I am and I am not what you think I am; I am

what I think that you think I am.”

More often than not, we are so conscious on how people think about us.
This is typical among young adults socializing with peers. They are very
conscious on how their friends would approve of the way they dress –
“nerdy or cool”, the type of music they listen to – “classic or pop”, the
choice of movies they watch – “English, Tagalog or
Korean”…etc…etc..etc.. ---All of these things need the approval of other
people for them to look cool, trendy and acceptable which unconsciously
shapes themselves as a person. The looking glass self is basically
looking into a glass of people with different perceptions and sets of
beliefs in life which they think they should follow because it is expected
from them.

On the other hand, Rosenberg’s (1979,p.7) study of self-concept is more

on the totality of an individual’s thoughts and feeling having reference to
himself as an object. He further explained that like in any other belief systems,
the Self includes the cognitive, behavioral and affective component of man.

The Cognitive component of self is the generalizations about

himself; his past experiences that organize and guide the
processing of self-related information.

The Behavioral component of self is best described by Darl Bem

(1972) which states that the influential self-perception theory
reflects on what we observe on our behavior and the situation in
which it took place. It is about why the behavior occurred and
draws a conclusion about our characteristic and disposition.

The Affective component of self is the self-esteem which reflects

the perceived difference between an individual’s actual self-
concept (who I think I really am) and some Ideal self (who I
would really like to be).
 All of these things interplay in our day to day activities in life. However,
if there’s a situation when attitudes, beliefs or behaviors are in conflict
with our set of perceived beliefs then Cognitive dissonance happens.
A very classic example of this is Smoking. Everybody knows that it can
cause cancer and shortens life in spite of all the gruesome graphic ads
at the back of a cigarette pack, yet people still smoke. With the advent
of e-cigarette people fool themselves as choosing the lesser evil while
in reality it still leads to cancer. Let us be inclined to a more scientific
way of getting correct information through evidence-based medicine
rather than listen to a neighbor’s self-acclaimed broadcast on certain
things which we might regret believing in the end.

Reference:

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01656/full
2. https://www.slideshare.net/SidraWahid/self-concept-
16547782?qid=d2f1b588-c513-4dfb-a0c6-
360721aaccc1&v=&b=&from_search=1
 Topic 5: MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANING
(Viktor E. Frankl)

In this particular topic, let me take you to a deeper understanding of self by

looking into the life of a Jewish Doctor, Dr. Viktor Frankl, a clinical Psychiatrist
who spent three years as a prisoner in Auschwitz concentration camp between
1941-1945 – time of the Holocaust. Holocaust is defined as the genocide of
the European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.

He drew inspirations from his daily activities in camp with his fellow inmates
when he wrote the book “Man’s Search for Meaning”, which sold over 10Million
copies and became one of the most influential books of all times. He was
separated from his family during the Holocaust where his wife, father, mother
and brother died in this camp. Unlike all other prisoners around him he
somehow managed to find hope and meaning during the most catastrophic
events in human history. (If you want to know more about the Holocaust,
search Youtube for several documentaries).

There are so many Life-lessons we can learn from this book which are very
applicable in our day- to- day challenges in life. And my most favorite lesson
is when he said that “there are so many external factors happening in
our lives beyond our control except one thing, your freedom to choose
how you will respond to the situation.” I have listed Five (5) Life-lessons
in which we can take away from his book and bring into application to improve
our understanding about Life in general.

Lesson 1: He who has a “WHY” to live for can bear with almost any
“HOW”

Frankl was confronted by a fellow inmate, let’s call him Felix. He shared a
dream he had in February 1945. A voice from his dream told him he could
wish for something. So, he wished to know when he will be liberated from the
concentration camp and have his sufferings come to an end. The voice replied:
in March the 30th. Felix had a strong sense of hope and was convinced that
the voice in his dream was right. As the day tick closer, the war got worse and
making it unlikely that freedom was near. On March the 29 th Felix suddenly
got ill. The day of the 30th, the day which he expected to be free, he lost
consciousness. On March the 31st he was dead.

To summarize what Frankl said; “The ultimate cause of my friend’s death was
that the expected liberation did not come and he was severely disappointed.
This suddenly lowered his body’s resistance against the latent Typhus
infection. His faith in the future and his will to live had become paralyzed and
his body fell victim to illness – and thus the voice of his dream was right after
all.”

To back up this case, a chief doctor of the concentration camp witnessed an

increase death rate of prisoners between Christmas of 1944 and New Year of
1945. The doctors believed that prisoners were having false hope that they
would be home again by Christmas. As the time drew near, many lost hope
and fell into an endless sleep.

So you might be asking, what can we learn from these stories? Well, Frankl
sums it up by saying;
“Any attempt to restore a man’s inner strength in the camp had first to
succeed in showing him some future goal, whenever there was an opportunity
for it. One has to give them a “WHY”, an aim in their lives, in order to
strengthen them to bear the terrible “HOW of their existence.

Frankl went on to describe two prisoners who were contemplating suicide.

They used the same argument that they have nothing more to expect from
life, but they didn’t commit suicide. Why? Because they found meaning, a
reason to keep going. For one, it was his child who was waiting for him in a
foreign country; the other one was his series of books which had been waiting
to be finished.

“A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human

being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be
able to throw away his life. He knows the ‘WHY’ for his existence, and will be
able to bear almost any ‘HOW’.”

At present you might still be asking yourself; why am I here? What is

my purpose in Life? Is this all life has to offer me? Will I forever be like
this, poor, miserable, fat, ugly, and incompetent? – Reflect and answer
these questions and find the Meaning of your existence so that you will
be able to bear life’s challenges with an open mind and an accepting
heart.

Lesson 2: LOVE is the ultimate and highest goal to which a man can
aspire.

Frankl emphasized that everyone’s aim is completely unique and that love is
the ultimate and the highest goal a man can aspire. It was one man’s love for
his child that kept him pushing forward and for another it was his love for
sharing his findings to the world through books. He, himself believed that it
was the love for his wife that kept him going. He had realized the power of
love on a cold dark day when he and his inmates were commanded to march
out to work on the site. The emaciated prisoners were beaten and forced to
dredge out large stones in icy terrain. One inmate whispered to Frankl, if our
wives could see us now, I do hope they are better off in their camps and don’t
know what is happening to us. Upon reflecting on this time in the past, Frankl
said; “I did not know whether my wife was still alive, and I had no means of
finding out; but at that moment it ceased to matter, there was no need for
me to know; nothing could touch the strength of my love, my thoughts and
the image of my beloved. Had I known then that my wife was dead. I think
that I would still have given myself, undisturbed by that knowledge, to the
contemplation of her image. And that my mental conversation with her would
have been just as vivid and just as satisfying.”

He further elaborated that the salvation of Man is through Love and in Love.
Love goes far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest
meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self.

All of us are capable of love. Some love too much- which leads to a more
controlling and dominating person. Others, love too loosely which might
be mistaken as being careless and unminding. However we express our
love is Man’s ultimate and highest goal of expression. When we Love,
we find meaning in our lives. We have the reason why we have to study
hard and finish our degree. When we love, we are motivated to become
a better version of ourselves and share it with others.

Lesson 3: When we are no longer able to CHANGE A SITUATION, we

are challenged to
CHANGE OURSELVES.

Before Frankl was put in the concentration camp, he was working as a clinical
Psychiatrist. He once had a client with severe depression, let us call him Peter.
He could not overcome the loss of his wife who died two years ago. Frankl
asked him, what would have happened if you died first and your wife had to
survive for you? Oh, he said, for her this would have been so terrible, she
would have suffered. Frankl replied, you see Peter, such a suffering has been
spared and it was you who spared her this suffering. He said nothing, shook
Frankl’s hand and calmly left the office. Frankl said, “In some way, suffering
ceases to be suffering the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of
a sacrifice, of course this was no therapy in proper sense since, first, his
despair was no disease; and second, I could not change his fate; I could not
revive his wife. But in that moment I did succeed in changing his attitude
towards his unalterable fate and he could now at least see a meaning in his
suffering.”

In the world today, countless people have found themselves entangled with
circumstances which lead to finding meaning in their lives. Nick Vujicic is a
living example. He was born with no arms or legs but he overcame his
disabilities to live an independent, rich, fulfilling life where he serves as a role
model to help millions of people to overcome adversity and live meaningful
lives. (If you want to know more about the life of Nick Vujicic, search Youtube
for documentaries).

Some things in life are inevitable. The loss of a loved one, terminal illnesses
and forgotten memories. Whatever we do, Man’s social meaning challenges
us to accept that “we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope
with it, and find meaning in it, and move forward.”

Lesson 4: Don’t aim at SUCCESS – the more you aim at it and make it
a target, the more you’re going to miss it.

For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue & it only does
so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than
oneself.

In other words, when you find meaning in your life, you will do whatever
it is that you love to do and excel in it. The moment you excel on things
you love doing then success happens because you will be sharing your
happiness with others through the works of your hand. This will give you
a sense of reward and validation that you have done well and have
succeeded.

Lesson 5: HUMOR was another of the soul’s weapons in the fight for
self-preservation.

Sometimes, we are caught in a situation where we feel so ashamed and

embarrassed with a bag full of regret why we ever did such stupid
things. There are times when we feel that our life is very disappointing
and useless. These external forces are beyond our control; we have to
loosen a little bit and don’t take everything so seriously at the brink of
insanity. Learning how to laugh at our mistakes and acknowledge our
imperfections is a very effective coping mechanism to preserve
ourselves from self-destruction.
To end this topic, let me share with you Frankl’s doctrine, “Logotherapy”
means curing the soul by leading it to find meaning in life. This is the type of
psychotherapy he used for patients who are actually confronted with and re-
oriented toward the meaning of his life and to make him aware of this meaning
which can contribute much to his ability to overcome his neurosis.

Man’s search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life and not a
secondary rationalization of instructional drives. Man is able to live and die for
the sake of his ideals and values.

Activity: Please answer this question with all honesty.

 What do you consider as “very important” in your life now?

a. Making a lot of money
b. Finding a purpose and meaning in life

References:

1. Viktor E. Frankl (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning.

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-srD1Deh9Xg
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holocaust
 Topic 6: UNPACKING THE SELF: PHYSICAL SELF

We are done with module -1 of this course. As we move to module-2

allow me to condition yourself pretending that it is your birthday today.
And you are given a big box of birthday present, beautifully wrapped
with a big red ribbon. Now, let us unravel together what is inside your
mystery box. Are you ready? The first gift you will see in the box is your
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.

There so many Theorists who had a say about the Physical self through
their studies; but I only hand-picked a few who relates the body to one’s
personality.

William James considered the body as the initial source of sensation

and necessary for the origin and maintenance of personality. However,
James considered the body as subservient to the mind, for e.g., mental
concentration can be so tightly focused as not only to banish ordinary
sensations, but even the severest pain (James, 1890, Vol. 1, p.49). A simple
example could be the numerous reports of soldiers in the battle or a boxer
in the ring that suffer severe wounds but do not notice them until the
intensity of the fighting abates. For James the body is an expressive tool
of indwelling consciousness and good physical health is something that
dwells from every part of the body of a muscularly well- trained human being,
and soaks the indwelling soul in him with satisfaction?. It is an element of
spiritual hygiene of supreme significance. (James, 1899. p. 103).

We call this mind over matter. Just take a look at the two examples
above. Both have very dangerous line of work where the body is
obviously at stake either facing death in combat action or multiple head
injuries because of the nature of the sport. Still, the body enables to
withstand the fear and pain because the mind pre-conditions the body
that he can do it.
Among western theorists, Wilhelm Reich seems to probably be most
concerned with body (Fadiman and Frager, 2002). Reich argued that mind
and body are one; all psychological processes, he postulated, are a part of
physical processes, and vice versa. So for Reich, the body is essentially
dynamic in all psychological functioning and it plays a critical role in storing
and channeling the bioenergy, which is the basis of human existence
and experience.

Whatever the mind thinks the body executes. More or less this has the
same theory with W. James.

For Erik Erikson, experience is anchored in the ground-plan of body (Erikson,

1963). According to him the role of bodily organs is especially important
in early developmental stages of a person’s life. Later in life, the
development of physical as well as intellectual skills help determine whether
the individual will achieve a sense of competence and ability to choose
demanding roles in a complex society. For example, healthy children derive
a sense of competence as their bodies become larger, stronger, faster
and more capable of learning complex skills.

B. F. Skinner was a staunch behaviorist and for him the role of the body is
of primary importance. For Skinner, the terms personality and self are mere
explanatory fictions and all there is, is the body. However, in spite of this, the
body never truly interested Skinner. He treats a human being as an
unopened, but certainly not empty, box.

Just like, the mystery box you received on your birthday, he postulates
that the human body evolves and develops. At first, you cannot
ascertain what the body can do but with time and life-experiences it
learns to adapt and develop into something more capable of doing.

In the Eastern traditions, especially the Indian, the various aspects of self,
including the physical self, has received tremendous attention. One of the
most important achievements of Indian tradition, i.e. the schools of Yoga, has
regarded the body in different ways. This attitude ranges from the outright
rejection of the body, because it is seen as the source of desires and
attachments, to an appreciation of the body as the main vehicle spiritual
growth and self- realization. According to the Bhagvat Gita counsels, Yoga
is a harmony. Not for him who eats too much, or for him who eats too little;
nor for him who sleeps too little, or for him who sleeps too much (VI: 16).
Most Yoga disciplines advocate a moderate approach to body.

This simply means that we have to put everything in the context of

balance to achieve a harmonious self.

In contrast to what is perceived today, the Physical Self is more inclined

to the physical features of the body. It does not limit to what the naked eye
can see but even to the biological and chemical dynamics that contribute to
one’s physical features. Women are even more conscious of looking for a
partner who can elevate the physical features of her future children. Example
of which is mix-race marriage (Filipino-American, Spanish-Chinese, Filipino-
Korean etc.). Our attraction to another person’s body increases if that body is
symmetrical and is in proportion. If a face is in proportion, we are more likely
to notice it and find it beautiful. We perceived proportional bodies to be
healthier.

The Self is impacted by the body; the perceived culture of body image affects
the development of self-esteem and what the individual’s perception of
beauty. A problem on Self-image occurs when your looks do not match your
beauty standards. Most of the young adults of today believed that attractive
people are the slim ones, with six-pack abs and fair skin. The problem here is
not your looks but the standard you set for yourself. In order for you to like
your looks then, you have to fix your false beliefs about physical
attractiveness.

How we project our body image is dependent on both the internal (personal)
and the external (society). It is how we perceive our bodies visually, feel and
think about our physical appearance, and how other people view our bodies.
However, how we look has NEVER held as much SOCIETAL IMPORTANCE or
significance on our perceived Self-worth.

MEDIA in particular, has become the platform of cultural beliefs and projects
strong views on how we should look. The more we look on the perfect images
of others, the more we feel worse about ourselves and this cycle breed
discontent which leads to NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE. Unhealthy behaviors such
as extreme dieting, eating disorders, multiple plastic surgeries and using
steroid to bulk-up the muscles are seen to keep up with these set standards.

So how can we build a strong and POSITIVE IMAGE? We have to understand

that healthy, attractive bodies come in many shapes and sizes, and that
physical appearance says very little about our character or value as a person.
If you project a positive self-image, people will more likely see you as a
positive and adept person.
Activity: In your own words, define Beauty by completing the sentences
below.

1. For me, beauty means______________________________________.

2. A beautiful person is ________________________.
3. I am beautiful because_________________________.
4. Mention names of people you know who are beautiful and why do you
find them beautiful. (at least 5).
5. Define your Self-image. What’s your internal voice saying?
6. Considering how you look now, is there anything you wish to change?
Why or why not?

References:

1. James Fadiman & Robert Frager (2002). Personality and Personal Growth.
Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
2. Satprem Sri Aurobindo or The Adventure of Consciousness.
3.https://www.slideshare.net/RubiOrbeta/physical-self?qid=934730ba-c545-
449f-a949- 4bf92940b804&v=&b=&from_search=1
 Topic 7: UNPACKING THE SELF: SEXUAL SELF

WHY DO WE LOVE?
“The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love”– Helen Fisher

Another gift you get from the mystery box is your Sexual Self. Did you know
that you have the capacity to love - Romantic Love. But what is love? Is it a
feeling? Or does it have something to do with the brain? In this particular topic
we will approach love in a scientific way.

Helen Fisher is an American Anthropologist, who studied about love for 6 years
from 1996 together with a group of neurologist and other medical experts.
They studied 40 men and women who were wildly in love. They took
photographs of their brains through fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging). Half of the subjects - their love was reciprocated while the other
half was rejected by someone they adored. They wanted to record the range
of feelings associated with “being in love”. They established the brain regions
that became active when a person feels romantic ecstasy. So, how did they
record fMRI? When the person was shown a picture of his love ones, his brain
cells use up more blood in the brain which is concentrated in the “Ventral
Tegmental area” – this is where Dopamine is produced which is responsible
for the wanting, craving and obsessiveness of man. However, they noticed
another part of the brain where blood flow re-uptake is active also, the
“Nucleus Accumbens” – This is the seat of addiction which leads to a
positive or a negative effect of love on someone.

The author came to believe that Man, like any animal feels a form of romantic
attraction for one another; the stalking behavior and other crimes of passion
are seen because of romantic love. Romantic love is a fundamental human
drive; like the craving for food and water, the maternal instinct. It is also a
physiologic need, a profound urge, an instinct to court and win a particular
mating partner. Romantic love can bring tremendous joy but when love is
scorned it causes excruciating sorrow. All over the world we see a lot of cases
of stalking, homicide, suicide, profound depression from the effect of romantic
rejection. It is also associated with high divorce and adultery rates that are
prevalent in societies today. This is true also in previous studies were animal
behavior and brain activity were studied when they mate. And they found out
that Dopamine played a key role in animal attraction and Norepinephrine
contributes to this magnetism.

Now let me discuss further the different brain chemicals that are responsible
for making a person fall in love. Just remember this acronym DOSEN.
Dopamine. It is produced in the ventral tegmental area of the brain. It is a
feel good neurotransmitter. Plays a role in sexual attraction and associated
with the preference for a particular mating partner. This is also a happy
hormone. An appropriate amount of dopamine each day makes a person
happy. This is the very reason why we give Anti-depressant tablets. Actually
a person is given an ample dose of dopamine because depressed and suicidal
people have low dopamine level.

Oxytocin. It is a hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary

gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. It is sometimes known
as the “cuddle hormone” or the “Love hormone”, because it is released when
people snuggle up or bond socially. (https://www.livescience.com).

Serotonin. It is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human

body. It is sometimes called the “Happy chemical”, because it contributes to
the well-being and happiness of a person.It is mainly found in the brain,
bowels and blood platelets. Low levels of serotonin in the brain may cause
depression, anxiety and sleep trouble. Many doctors will prescribe a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to treat depression.
(https://www.healthline.com).

Epinephrine. Also known as Adrenaline. It is a neurotransmitter which

communicates with the neurons of the brain. It is a hormone produced in the
adrenal glands (outside the brain). It is the body’s activator and is released in
response to anxiety, exercise, or fear.. This is the basis of the so-called “fight-
or-flight” reaction. When an animal is threatened, the options are usually
either to stand its ground and fight, or run away as fast as possible. This is
true to humans too. (https://www.sciencedirect.com;
https://www.ch.ic.ac.uk › drugs › html).

Norepinephrine. Is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system which

increases alertness and arousal, and speeds reaction time. It has been shown
to play a role in a person’s mood and ability to concentrate. You can increase
your norepinephrine naturally by exercising for at least half an hour each day,
taking a cold shower, and getting plenty of sleep. These activities will also
help boost serotonin and dopamine, making them wise habits for anyone who
would like to keep their mental health in tip-top shape.
(https://www.addiction.com › blogs).

The question now is; Can Romantic Love last? May forever ba in
Romantic Love?
In this study, they went back to the people who participated in this clinical
trial and they took photographs of the brains through fMRI on the couples who
managed to stay together and the ones who ended up in divorce. Among the
couples who stayed together, they found a certain part of the brain with active
blood uptake which was not found six years ago and they associated this with
acceptance, letting pass of the negative attributes of their partner and staying
focus only on the positive attributes of their part.

Therefore, there is forever in Romantic love and it is proven through

evidence-based medicine and research. Through this topic we are able to
disprove the saying that goes “Walang Forever”- FALSE. If we set our
brains to exercise every day to focus only on the positivity a person brings to
our life then Romantic Love can last a lifetime.

Activity: Write a love letter to a person you love. Tell them the things you
love about them and how this love has affected you as a person.
 Topic 8: THE DIVERSITY OF SEX, GENDER AND SEXUAL
ORIENTATION

In this time and age there are so many changes in the world that affects men
and their behavior. One of which is the diversity in the definition, labeling and
acceptance of one’s sex, gender and sexual orientation. But I find it very
interesting because it will help us better understand our Self as a human being
in relation to other humans.

However, there are few caveats (warning) that I want you to bear in mind
when I discuss this topic. First- this will be based on the concepts and
terminology from the perspective of a Medical Health Care professional.
Second - A person’s sex, gender and orientation may be part of their identity
but they are certainly not the only parts. Third – terminology used in this
topic may not be commonly used 10 years ago and might not be in common
use 10 years from now, so keep an open mind that terminologies may evolve
over time. For example homosexual, hermaphrodite and sexual preference
are all terms that were once commonly used and which now should be avoided
because they are seen to be offensive. Fourth – Whatever you learn from this
topic always keep an open mind and try to understand and mirror the terms
and individual uses for themselves. Some people don’t like to place any label
at all on their sex, gender and orientation, that’s ok and should be respected.

Sex ≠ Gender ≠ Sexual Orientation are not the same thing. Yes, they are
related but they are also separate domains of a person’s identity and
experience; and within each domain are different characteristics. None of
which are dichotomous or binary. So, sex is not just male or female; gender
is not just man or woman; and sexual orientation is not just gay or straight.
Let’s discuss each domain one at a time.

SEX. It is determined by a combination of external genitalia, internal

reproductive organs, and the sex chromosomes.
1. Sex ≠ Gender ≠ Sexual Orientation are related but has distinct
concepts.
2. Sex refers to Male, female or intersex
3. Sex is dependent upon external genitalia, reproductive organs, and
sex chromosomes.

These don’t always match according to common experience. For example,

infants are born with ambiguous genitalia – genitalia that consist of
something other than just a typical penis, or a typical clitoris and vagina. An
infant may have a vagina but also have a palpable testicle within the labial
folds. There are countless variations. Sometimes an infant may have an
external genitalia that appears clearly male or clearly female but with internal
reproductive organs that what might be expected. For example; in a condition
called complete androgen insensitivity syndrome – a mutation in the
androgen receptor, a fetus that is incapable of responding to testosterone
while developing in-utero, as a consequence the fetus develops a vagina and
clitoris but they have no uterus or fallopian tubes, and instead of ovaries they
have non-functioning testes that resides somewhere within the pelvis.

Our chromosomes add yet another layer of complexity. We learned in

Biology that Human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes. One of which is the
sex chromosomes because they determine our sex. If an embryo develops ‘x’
chromosomes from each parent they will develop into a female (xx). If on
the other hand an embryo inherits an ‘x’ chromosome from the mother and
‘y’ chromosome from the father they will typically develop into a male (xy).
But sometimes genetic conditions affecting hormones which can lead to a
discordance between chromosomes and a person’s physical appearance. A
person’s cells could be xx yet the person is anatomically male or another
person’s cells could be xy yet they are anatomically female. A variation of this
phenomenon is called Mosaicism – a condition in which the cells in an
individual’s body don’t all carry same DNA. So, when a person has mosaicism
affecting the sex chromosome some of their cells might carry one ‘x’ and one
‘y’ chromosome or the other cells might carry two ‘x’ chromosomes or just
one ‘x’ chromosome such individual could have a very wide diversity of
external appearances and internal anatomy. In fact one of you in this class
might be having this but not know about it. So, the bottom line with sex
is way more complicated than just male or female. The term Intersex – are
individuals whose combination of genitalia, internal anatomy and sex
chromosomes don’t completely fit into the typical male vs. female dichotomy.
The term is quite controversial because it might sway parents with intersex
infants towards making unnecessary and irreversible medical decisions for
their child such as drastic surgical alteration of their genitalia.

GENDER. In general refers to the following:

 Whether a person is a Man, Woman, Genderqueer, Non-binary or other.
 Cisgender – gender matches sex assigned at birth.
 Transgender – gender does not match sex assigned at birth.
 Gender Identity – the inherent, internal sense of one’s own gender.
 Gender Expression – is how an individual presents themselves to those
around them

This can be seen as having two main characteristics:

 1. Gender Identity- a person’s inherent sense of being… a man or a
woman, both, neither, somewhere in the middle or another gender
altogether. Gender identity is internal and is not visible to others.

Cisgender – is a person’s gender identity is the same as the sex

assigned at birth.
Transgender – a person’s gender identity differs from the sex assigned
at birth.
A Transgender man- is a person whose assigned sex at birth is
female but who
Identifies now as a man.
A Transgender woman – is a person whose assigned sex at birth
is male but who
Identifies now as a woman.
Genderqueer – a person’s gender identity does not conform to the
traditional, binary
gender paradigm.
Non-binary is sometimes used as a synonym for genderqueer
(though they are not fully
interchangeable).
Genderfluid – a person’s gender identity is not fixed, but instead varies
with time and /
or situation.

It is gender, not sex, that usually determines what pronouns to

use for a person.

2. Gender Expression – the gender an individual chooses to present

themselves to the world. It consists of a choice of clothing, hairstyle
and make-up and it may consist of deliberate mannerisms speech and
behavior and it may or may not be consistent with one’s gender
identity. When a transgender individual chooses for their physical
appearance to consistently match their gender identity this can be
referred to as an affirmation of their gender identity. It could be on the
feminine or the masculine spectrum of expression.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION. Generally refers to the following:

 Straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, pansexual or asexual

 Includes the concept of sexual attraction, sexual behavior, romantic
attraction, and sexual identity

There are different characteristic within sexual orientation.

 1. Sexual attraction.

Heterosexual or straight - if a man is sexually attracted to a woman

or a woman is
sexually attracted to a man.
Homosexual or gay or lesbian - if a man is sexually attracted to
another man or a
woman attracted to a woman.
Bisexual - If a person is sexually attracted to both men and women.
Pansexual - If they are all attracted to all sexes and genders across
both spectrums of sex
and gender.
Asexual - if they don’t feel attraction to anyone they are.

One point of favorite confusion concerns the sexuality of transgender and

gender non-binary individuals. Just as cisgender individuals they could be
straight, gay bisexual, pansexual or asexual. A person’s gender is separate
from their sexual orientation, and one cannot be inferred from the other.
Consider for a moment a transgender woman- that is a person assigned male
at birth but who identifies as a woman. If she is attracted to men she is
heterosexual not gay. The same is true of transgender men who are attracted
to women.

2. Sexual Behavior – refers to the people with whom an individual has

sexual relationships. Sexual attraction and sexual behavior are usually
the same, but they don’t need to be. For example a person may be
attracted to people of multiple sexes yet, may be sexually active with
only members of one sex due to society or religious pressures.
Another example maybe a catholic nun who could be straight or gay
based on sexual attraction while her sexual behavior is celibate
because she is not acting on that attraction.

3. Romantic Attraction- acknowledges that intimate relationships don’t

require sexual activity or sexual attraction.

4. Sexual identity – which refers to how an individual views their own

sexual orientation whether an individual sees themselves as straight
vs. gay vs. something different.
QUEER. It is an umbrella term which an individual might use to describe
either a gender or a sexual orientation that does not conform to his
cisgender or heterosexual societal norms.
Activity: Let’s try to apply what we’ve learned from this topic by answering
the Sex, Gender and Sexual Orientation of sample celebrities below. Try to
answer with all honesty the box where you will define your own sex, gender
and sexual orientation. Follow the example presented in the first box.

Example:
DR. ALWINA DE MIRA

Male Sex Female

Man Gender Identity Woman

Masculine Gender Expression Feminine

Attracted to Women Sexual Orientation Attracted to Men

I am a: CISGENDER, HETEROSEXUAL ,FEMALE

Answer:
YOU

Male Sex Female

Man Gender Identity Woman

Masculine Gender Expression Feminine

Attracted to Women Sexual Orientation Attracted to Men

I am a:

VICE GANDA

Male Sex Female

Man Gender Identity Woman

Masculine Gender Expression Feminine

Attracted to Women Sexual Orientation Attracted to Men

I am a:

AIZA SEGUERA
Male Sex Female

Man Gender Identity Woman

Masculine Gender Expression Feminine

Attracted to Women Sexual Orientation Attracted to Men

I am a:

References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yM_P6WdRJU
 Topic 9: SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

What are the risks involved when engaging in sexual activity? This topic will
focus on the most common risks of sexual activity which is Sexually
Transmitted Infection.

STI – means having the infection but not showing any symptoms.

STD – means you are showing symptoms of an infection.

Sexually Transmitted Infections can be caused by: Virus, Bacteria, Protozoan

or parasite. This distinction is important because it will determine how the
infection is treated.

Virus = are tiny infectious agents. They are not considered living organisms
but have the ability to reproduce. Viruses attack the host cells and highjack
their cellular machinery. They can be spread through the air, contaminated
food, animal bites, and physical contact and through bodily fluids. Viral
infections have no cures. We can prevent it through vaccines or control it with
anti-viral medications.

Bacteria = are living, single celled-organisms that can reproduce without the
use of a host cell. It can be found everywhere in the planet – soil, air, water
or even inside your body. Unlike viruses, it can be treated by antibiotics.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infection.

Protozoans = are another type of single-celled organism. STI’s transmitted

by protozoans can be treated with oral medications.

Parasites = are multi-cellular organisms, like tiny insects or mites that cause
STI’s. These infestations can be medicated by lotions, shampoos and at times
oral medications.

There are over 20 different types of Sexually Transmitted Infection but for the
purpose and discussion of this topic we will only discuss the most common
ones. We will discuss their symptoms, treatment and how they are prevented.

STI’s transmitted by a Virus:

1. HIV/AIDS. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus attacks

the cells of the immune system thus compromising the body’s ability to
fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can completely destroy the
immune system and can eventually lead to an Acquired Immune
 Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This syndrome is a collection of symptoms
when the immune system is so weak that it cannot fight infections any
longer. AIDS is the final stage of an HIV infection which can lead to
death. It is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, semen,
vaginal fluids, anal fluids and breast milk. Therefore, one can contract
HIV by vaginal, anal, oral sex or by sharing needles during intravenous
drug use. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy,
birth or breast feeding. It is impossible to tell if someone is HIV positive
or not and not all HIV positive people know that they are positive. That
means, you have to be tested early so that treatment can be started
promptly. This can be prevented by using condoms during sex. If your
partner has been diagnosed with HIV, there are additional precautions
that can be taken. For example Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) which
can block the virus from invading cells. However, medication has to be
taken consistently to be able to make the medication effective. Post-
exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication that can be
taken if you fear that you have been exposed to the virus. For example
if the condom broke. This medication must be taken within 72 hrs. from
exposure and must continue to be taken for about one month. Practicing
ABSTINENCE is the only 100% certain way to avoid contracting HIV.
There is NO CURE for HIV but it can be treated by an Anti-retroviral
drugs. It can keep the viral load in the body low so, HIV cannot destroy
the immune system and it can help prevent the infected person from
spreading the infection. An infected person with HIV has to take
their medication for life and attend counseling. We are fortunate
that we can avail of these treatments from the government specifically
at Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. If you know someone or if you
are exposed to an HIV infected person you may visit the Infectious
department of this hospital or visit my clinic for referral.

2. HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV).

There are two strains of this virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2

HSV-1 = causes oral Herpes in which cold sore and oral blisters appear
around the mouth and on the face. It can be spread without sexual
contact by sharing drinks, cosmetics or kissing someone who is
experiencing an outbreak.
 HSV-2 = is responsible for genital Herpes outbreaks in which sores and
blisters appear on the genitalia for example on the penis or surrounding
the vagina. Genital herpes is an extremely common STI between
1 in 6 people between the ages of 14 and 49 have genital herpes.
Not everyone who is infected with HSV knows that they have it and
some individuals may never show symptoms. Furthermore, an HSV
infected person can spread the virus even when they are not
experiencing an outbreak. Avoid having oral, vaginal, anal sexual
contact when you have an outbreak; even condom could not protect you
completely because the virus can still get through from the uncovered
skin not covered by the condom. If you and your partner are sexually
active be tested regularly so that you can be treated promptly. Practicing
ABSTINENCE is the only 100% certain way to avoid contracting HSV.
There is NO CURE for HSV; a person infected with it will have it for the
rest of their lives. There are Anti-retroviral drugs that can reduce the
severity and frequency of the outbreaks but these will not destroy the
virus just like in HIV.

3. HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV). There are over 150 different types

of HPV. Most HPV types are not sexually transmitted and cause common
warts on the skin such as arms, chin, hands and feet. The other types
of HPV are sexually transmitted and are transmitted through vaginal,
anal, or oral sex. This virus can spread even if the person has no visible
signs and symptoms of the disease. HPV is the most common
sexually transmitted infection worldwide. It is believed that a
sexually active person could have contracted HPV in their lifetime
without visible signs and symptoms and their immune system will clear
the infection within two years. However, there are certain types of HPV
that cause genital warts. The Virus itself cannot be cured but the wart
can be surgically removed. Without treatment, warts may disappear,
may be retained, may get bigger or may increase in number. HPVs that
cause warts are considered low-risk HPVs. However, High risks HPVs
cannot cause warts but can lead to Cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina,
penis, anus and throat. There is NO CURE for any form of HPV and
HPV related cancers may lead to DEATH. Practicing ABSTINENCE
is the only 100% certain way to avoid contracting HPV. Another form of
 prevention is through vaccination. The Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination to children (male or
female) with ages between 11-12 years old to prevent cervical cancer
and genital warts. Adults can avail of this vaccine too; just visit your
Family Physician since this vaccine is also available in the Philippines.

STIs transmitted by Bacteria:

1. CHLAMYDIA. Is caused by bacteria that result to green or yellow smelly

discharges from the penis or vagina and a burning sensation when
urinating. It could spread to the anus when practicing anal sex which
causes pain and bleeding from the rectum. It could also spread to the
mouth which will lead to cough, fever and pain. Symptoms usually
appear 1-3 weeks after having, oral, anal or vaginal sexually activity;
however, others show no symptoms. If left untreated the disease can
cause a lot of serious problems. For women, it can spread to the entire
reproductive system causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or (PID)
which leads to long term pelvic pain – and inability to get pregnant later
on – or even leads to ectopic pregnancy which is fatal to the baby and
deadly to the mother. For men, pain in the genital area, fever and in
rare cases causes infertility. This can be treated with antibiotics.
Practicing ABSTINENCE is the only 100% certain way to avoid
contracting CHLAMYDIA.

2. GONORRHEA. Also known as “The Clap”. The symptoms,

transmission, side effects are very similar to Chlamydia infection.
Sometimes it can be spread to the blood or joint which becomes very
deadly. Practicing ABSTINENCE is the only 100% certain way to avoid
contracting GONORRHEA.

3. SYPHYLIS. Transmission can be vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Four stages of Syphilis:

Primary syphilis = symptoms appear 3 – 90 days after exposure; I

ncludes pink, round painless sores called “Chancre’ on or around the
genitals, anus or in and around the mouth. If untreated, it will progress
to the next stage. This is a very contagious stage.
 Secondary syphilis = emerges after 4 – 10 weeks after exposure. It
includes fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, achy joints, rash on
the skin that is not itchy. This is a very contagious stage. If untreated,
it will progress to the next stage.

Latent syphilis = No symptoms and can last for years. The person may
think they are cured but the bacteria is still at work in their system and
are still capable of spreading the disease.

Tertiary syphilis = this occurs 3 or more years after the initial

infection. It is the most destructive phase because it affects many
systems in the body including the

Nervous system: headache, altered behavior, difficulty with motor

coordination, paralysis, dementia, vision changes and blindness.
Circulatory system: aortic aneurysm-rupture-massive internal
bleeding.

Skeletal system: soft, tumor-like balls of inflammation called

“Gummas” can appear on the skin, bone and liver. This can be cured by
antibiotics. However, any damaged incurred during this phase is
permanent. If left untreated this could be fatal. ABSTINENCE is the
only 100% certain way to avoid contracting SYPHYLIS. Be tested -
Early detection can save your life.

STI’s transmitted by Protozoans:

1. TRICHOMONIASIS. It is commonly spread during vaginal sex. Most

infected individuals do not know they have it. Symptoms may appear
as itching, irritation, burning, redness, and soreness of the genitals
painful sexual intercourse, pain in urination, yellowish to greenish
vaginal discharges with an unusual “fishy” smell. A High risk for HIV
infection and complications during pregnancy may also be possible.
If left untreated, this could spread and one may suffer for years. This
can be treated with oral antibiotics. ABSTINENCE is the only 100%
certain way to avoid contracting TRICHOMONIASIS. Be tested -
Early detection can save your life.

STI’s transmitted by Parasites:

1. PUBIC LICE. Mostly lives in the coarse hairs of the genitals and feed
up the blood of their hosts. They are also called “crabs” because of their
crab-like appearance – which can be seen by the naked eye through
magnifying lens. They are different from the head lice or body lice both
in appearance and behavior. Pubic lice prefer coarse hairs in the pubic
area, armpit, eyebrows, and mustache and rarely on the scalp.
Conversely, head lice do not show up in the pubic area. It can be spread
by sharing clothing, towels or bed of an infected person. The bite of the
lice does not cause any pain but the saliva and feces of the lice causes
itching and irritation of the bite area. You may appear having fever and
irritated. There are over the counter treatment available for this like
shampoos, lotions, foams etc. Just visit your friendly health care
provider for prescription. Both partners should be treated, all clothing
and bed linens should be washed and dried under the heat of the sun
and vacuum carpets as often as you can . Pubic lice can be very
contagious. Condoms are not effective in preventing infestations
because they do not cover the entire pubic area or even shaving or
waxing. ABSTINENCE is the only 100% certain way to avoid
contracting PUBIC LICE.

2. SCABIES. They are microscopic. These mites burrow into the top layer
of the skin where they live, feed and lay eggs which cause an extremely
itchy rash to develop. They are shown as raised track-like lines that
have burrowed through the skin. The rash is too itchy that makes an
infested person unable to sleep. It is spread by prolonged skin to skin
contact. Therefore anyone can have it especially among children,
mothers of young children, residents in nursing home and sexually
active young adult. These mites usually burrow where there are folds in
the skin: for example between fingers, creases of the wrists, elbows,
buttocks and genitals. This can be treated by medicines prescribed by
the doctor. Usual application of medicated creams from neck to toe
should be left for 8-14 hours before being washed off or in some cases
oral medication is added. Wash all clothing, linens in hot water and sun-
dry. Clean and vacuum the carpets and house. Condoms are not
effective in preventing infestations because they do not cover the entire
body where mites could live. ABSTINENCE is the only 100% certain
way to avoid infestation.
It is important to protect yourself from these STIs by making healthy choices.
This might mean choosing to ABSTAIN from sexual activity altogether or
practicing safer sex with a limited number of partners. Remember that
condoms CANNOT protect you from STIs; in fact many STIs are spread despite
the consistent use of condoms. If you choose to be sexually active, discuss
with your health care provider the possible means of protecting yourself. Be
responsible – get tested for any possible STIs regularly to prevent untoward
side effects and spread of the disease.

Activity: Case Study.

This is a case of JM, a bisexual, 18 year old male, who was shown to have a
yellowish to greenish, penile discharges associated with burning and painful
urination. He tends to clap his hands together because of the excruciating
pain. His last sexual contact was with a female classmate 3 weeks ago and
learned that she tested “HIV-positive” through a text message he received
last night. JM, is so worried about his condition and fears of having a sexually
transmitted disease, let alone HIV. He is afraid to tell his parents about it and
is afraid to go to the doctor alone. Instead, he calls for your help. As a trusted
and loyal friend, how would you help JM? Based on the topics discussed, what
type of STI could he be suffering from? Why – state the reasons? What would
you advise JM to do with regards to healthy and safe choices in sexual
engagement in the future?

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbdyR447aP8
 Topic 10: FAMILY PLANNING

Philippine Family Planning 2020

The fundamental right of individuals (including young people) to decide, freely

and for themselves, whether, when, and how many children to have is central
to the vision and goals of Philippine Family Planning (PFP) 2020.Yet today,
many of the more than one billion young people (ages 10-24) living in the 69
FP2020 focus countries do not have access to high-quality sexual and
reproductive health care programs that meet their needs and empower them
to determine matters related to their sexuality for themselves. Unfortunately,
many young people are prevented from accessing and using modern forms of
contraception due to discrimination, stigma, and a lack of information.
(http://www.familyplanning2020.org/philippines).

The goal of the family planning (FP) Program is to provide universal access to
FP information and services whenever and wherever these are needed. To
achieve this goal, the DOH FP Program will (1) address the need to help
couples and individuals achieve their desired family size within the context of
responsible parenthood and improve their reproductive health to attain
sustainable development and (2) ensure that quality FP services are available
in DOH-retained hospitals, LGU-managed health facilities, NGOs, and the
private sector. (http://www.familyplanning2020.org/philippines).

The Philippine Clinical Standards Manual on Family Planning has laid- out
different Family planning options for men and women. With the increasing
incidence rate of teen pregnancies in the Philippines, 13.6% in 2013,
contraception for adolescent group is encouraged. (97) In the ASEAN region,
the Philippines rank third among countries with the highest incidence rate of
teenage pregnancy. (http://www.familyplanning2020.org/philippines).

Pregnancy among adolescents (adolescents as defined by the WHO as

individuals aged 10 to 19 years) is associated with several potential medical
problems, including the following:
 High health risk
 Unsafe abortion
 Inadequate or lack of prenatal care
 Sexually transmitted disease from unprotected sex
 loss of educational and employment opportunities as well as
 Emotional and financial unpreparedness for raising a child.

The percentage of sexually active young people who use any contraceptive
method remains low at 21%. All currently available modern contraceptive
methods are safe for adolescents. Educating adolescents on contraceptive
methods and FP services should be done to provide correct information and
improve knowledge on contraceptive use and appropriateness of
contraception. Just like any client, young individuals must be assured of
confidentiality and privacy and must not be subjected to unnecessary
procedures before they can avail of the appropriate contraceptive method.
Young individuals must be counseled first to delay sexual activity until a later
time when they are more capable of starting a family.
(http://www.familyplanning2020.org/philippines).

This figure represents the different available Family Planning options in our
country today. Majority of Filipino women prefers to use the Combination oral
contraceptive pills second to which are the permanent type of sterilization
which is the Bilateral Tubal Ligation. However, the introduction of Implant has
only been recently introduced in the country and that is probably why it is not
as popular as the other options.

For details of the available Family planning options in our country; its
application, efficacy and side effects please read the Philippine Clinical
Standards Manual on Family Planning 2014 where each contraceptive
option is discussed thoroughly. Direct your attention to the reference area of
this topic to find the electronic copy of this book. Please be reminded that all
of these contraceptive options are available in your local Rural Health Clinic
for free.

Activity: Interview at least three (3) Female and three (3) Male adolescents
in your family who had an experience in Family planning. Ask the FP option
they choose, state the reasons why they choose such method and for how
long have they been using it.

References:

http://www.familyplanning2020.org/philippines
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44882/9789241503754_e
ng.pdf?sequence=1
https://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/FPCSM_2014.pdf
 Topic 11: The Material Self
The Material Self is deeply affected to the things that we have poured
too much investment. Investments like time, money, effort, and even
ourselves (James). These things that our material selves are primarily drawn
to are our bodies, clothes, immediate family, and home.
1. Our own bodies
 An individual’s body is the inner most part of the material
self. Whatever happens to our bodies greatly affects us and
the activities and routines that we are involved. We do our
very best to keep our bodies healthy and safe because each
of us has a goal to achieve. There are people who have
intimate closeness to a certain body part and invest effort to
keep them in good shape (Celebrities like Mariah Carey who
had placed a big amount of insurance for her vocal cords and
legs.).
2. Clothes
 A person’s choice of clothes represents her/his self-
expression. “Any time we bring an object into the surface of
our body, we invest that object into the consciousness of our
personal existence taking in its contours to be our own and
making it part of our self.” (Herman Lotze). There is this
saying which says that “You feel good if you look good.”, it
means that a piece of cloth can actually make a person
confident because he/she is wearing his/her preferred style
which actually fits to her taste. The way we choose and wear
our clothes reflect our selves.
3. Immediate Family
 One’s immediate family members are said to be his/her own
replica of himself/herself. Why? It is because they are the
people we have set or expected in our lives that would stay
permanently. Whatever may happen to any of them will affect
us in the manner how it affects them. Families have this
instinct that is connected between them, that is why our
families are very important to ourselves because we belong to
them—we are one of them.
4. Home
 It is known as the earliest nest of selfhood. It is where we
experienced every single first experiences in life. It is the
place where we take off our mask and just be ourselves. It is
the place where we feel the relief after a day’s work, not only
physically but also in the state of mind because it gives us the
peace of mind that we deserve every single time we face
life. It is the extension of ourselves because it has been a
 witnessed of our thoughts, sentiments, and actions ever since
you call it as your home.
As James said “Possessions then become a part or an extension of
self”, if we invest ourselves into things and people, they become a part of
who we are, and we will be identified through them.

ACTIVITY 1: Debit Card Challenge

A very wealthy person gave you a debit card and told you to use it as
much as you want to make yourself happy. What are you going to do with
your debit card? Make a list of what you want to have. Write as many as you
want.
List

Questions:
1. What did you feel as you do the Debit Card Challenge?
2. Which among the items in your list you like the most? Why?
3. If ever you were given the chance in real life to have one among
the list, which will you choose? Why?
4. Is your choice different from what you answer in question number
two? Why or why not?
5. Let your classmate read your list (send it through chat or text
messages). Ask her/him to give or write a quick impression of
yourself based on the list you showed him/her.
6. Is the quick impression of your classmate has some truth about
who you are?
ACTIVITY 2:
1. Go back to your Debit Card Challenge List. Put a mark on the left
side of each item with the following categories:

B - If the item is related to your body

C – If the item is related with your clothes
F – If the item is related or intended for your family
H – If the item is related with home
2. Answer the following questions:
a. Which among the categories you have the most in your
list?
b. What do you think these things tell you about yourself?
3. Make a reflection paper about material self.
 Topic 12: Spiritual Self
The Spiritual Self is the most intimate part of self because it holds a
role about moral sensibility and conscience. Moral sensibility and conscience,
in the sense that they impose what is right and wrong, and you will live to
what they stand for. That is why Spiritual Self is intimate because it cannot
be changed easily given the fact that every person has his/her own
belief. The ability to use moral sensibility and conscience is through the
expressions of religion, its beliefs, practices, and other manifestations that
people believe in.
Religion
 According to Rebecca Steins, Religion is a set of cultural
beliefs and practices that usually includes some or all of basic
characteristics:
 A belief in anthropomorphic supernatural being,
such as spirit and gods,
 Focused on the sacred supernatural power; where
sacred refers to a feeling or reverence and awe;
 The presence of supernatural power or energy
that is found on supernatural beings as well as
physical beings and objects;
 The performance of ritual activities that involves
the manipulation of sacred object to communicate
to supernatural beings and/or to influence or
control events;
 The articulation of worldview and moral codes
through narratives and other means; and
 It provides the creation and maintenance of social
bonds and mechanism of social control within a
community; provides explanation for unknown
and a sense of control for individuals
 In a society where diversity of religion exists, a choice of
one’s religion is up to that person but the fact that the society
and culture has an influence of having such choice is
undeniable.
Ritual
 Ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a
tradition or sacred law. It is specific and an observable mode
of behavior exhibited by all known societies. Thus, it is
possible to view ritual as a way of defining or describing
human. (Penner)
  The three fundamental characteristics of rituals according to
Penner:
 A feeling of emotion or respect, awe fascination,
or dread in relation to sacred;
 Dependence upon a belief system that is usually
expressed in the language of myth; and
 Is symbolic in relation to its reference
 Participation to rituals is expression of religious beliefs.

Some of the World’s Religious Beliefs and Practices

(University of London’s Religion and Belief Guide 2017)
1. Buddhism
 It teaches that life is unsatisfactory.
 Life can make us feel all the positive and negative things.
 When we feel the unsatisfactory of life, we crave for the
pleasant things and avoid the unpleasant ones.
 Meditation is one of its practices. Meditation is divided into
two; samatha (Develops calm, concentration, and positive
emotion and it is done through heavy breathing and
development of loving kindness) and vipassana (Aims to
develop insights into reality. Deepening the understanding of
reality through studying and reflecting the dharma.)
 Buddhist ethics of intention in which the key principle is non-
violence.
 Gautama Buddha is revered as the founder of Buddhism.

2. Christianity
 Christians believe that God came into the world through the
presence of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
 They believe that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is the redemption
that saved the humanity from God’s wrath.
 Jesus Christ rose from the death and has sent the Spirit of
God to renew and inspire people.
 Christians believe in the Holy Trinity while still emphasizing
the unity of God: Father (Creator), Son (Redeemer), and Holy
Spirit (Sustainer)
 To become a Christian, one has to be baptized (water
ceremony) which symbolizes the sharing of death and
resurrection of Jesus.
 The taking of bread and wine symbolizes as Jesus’ body and
blood offered in sacrifice for all through the Sacrament of
Holy Communion.
  Christian festivals such as Christmas (birth of Jesus which is
usually celebrated on the 25th of December), and Easter (a
celebration for Jesus’ resurrection from death).

3. Hinduism
 Hindus are believed to be polytheist but most claim to believe
in one supreme God who is incarnated in many forms.
 They follow their sacred scripture called Vedas.
 Hinduism is understood as a complete way of life, a path of
sanctification, and discipline that leads to the higher level of
consciousness (Dharma).
 Hindus believe in reincarnation. You will be reincarnated
depending on how you lived your previous life.
 Hindus celebrate Diwali (festivals of light) and Navratri (nine
nights which celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

4. Islam
 Muslims believe in Allah (One God)
 The sacred scripture of Islam is called Quran.
 Islam means submission to God.
 Muslims believe in the way of peace as how it was stated in
the Quran.
 There are prophets that the Muslims believe that God has
sent; Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Jesus, and
Mohammed as the last and final prophet.
 The Quran should be recited in Arabic because any translation
is inadequate.
 Islam has five pillars that represent the foundation of Islamic
worship and practice:
 Shahada – There is no God but one true God and
Mohammed is his messenger.
 Salat – Prayer five times a day at given times
 Zakat – Two and a half percent of a Muslim’s assets
over a given specified amount is given in welfare tax to
benefit the poor.
 Hajj – An annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a
requirement at least once a lifetime for those who can
afford it.
 Sawm – During the month of Ramadan (the ninth
month of the Islamic lunar calendar), Muslims are
required to abstain from food, drink, and sexual acts
from dawn until sunset.
  The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid ul-Fitr (when
Muslims visit the Mosque, give charity, exchange presents
and cards, and celebrate with family and friends.
 Eid ul-Adha coincides with the completion of the Hajj and
unites the whole Islamic community.

5. Judaism
 Jews are believed to be the descendants of the Semitic tribe
that originated in the land of Canaan in the Middle East.
 God promised Abraham, a trader and leader of a nomadic
tribe, that his descendants would the fathers of great nations.
Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, had twelves sons who became
the ancestors of the twelves tribes of Israel.
 They were enslaved by the Egyptians and freed by Moses.
 Jews believe the coming of the Messiah, the Savior.
 The study of the Torah (first five books of the Hebrew bible)
is an integral part of the Jewish life.
 The Jewish Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset.
 There are five Jewish festivals that observant Jews are
forbidden to work:
 The New Year or Rosh Hashanah
 The Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur
 Passover or Pesach (belongs to the three pilgrim
festivals)
 Pentecost or Shavuot
 Tabernacles or Sukkot

Religious belief, rituals, practices, and customs are all part of the
expression of the Spiritual Self. How to practice this is all up to oneself.
There are people who does not want to be affiliated with the religion they
are baptized to or what their family is observing, however there are those
who practice them strictly. Religious belief and practices are relative to
culture and context.

ACTIVITY:
Answer the following questions and follow the task given.

1. When was the first time you realized there is a higher being than
yourself.
2. Explain what made you to believe in a higher being (God).
3. Illustrate in a long bond paper about the instance or situation that
made you believe in the existence of higher being.
 Topic 13: The Political Self

What makes a Filipino? Who are Filipinos? How do they look like? How
is our nationality of being a Filipino shown? Philippines had been colonized
by different colonizers for a long time. Colonizers’ culture, traits and beliefs
have left marks up until the present. This is the reason why our own identity
has not formed its own foundation to our people and colonial mentality has
someone became a part of it.
According to Philippine Constitution, “Filipino citizens of the Philippines
are those whose fathers of mothers are citizens of the Philippines, those
born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, and those who are naturalized
in accordance to law.” However, citizenship is not the only marker of being a
Filipino. Culture and history affect the manner of Filipinos in terms of
learning, living, and behaving around the environment. People who live in
the same culture develop and share common personality traits and values.
Here are the following Filipino traits and values that has been passed from
one generation to another and has been present up to now:

 Filipinos use “po” and “opo” to show respect to elders. It is an honorific

used by someone to show respect to someone older than him/her.
They also have other honorifics; ate for older sister, kuya for older
brother, lola for grandmother, and lolo for grandfather. If a Filipino
forgets to address honorifics properly, they will be branded as impolite
and rude.
 As part of the Asian community, they also leave their shoes and
slippers whenever they are entering someone’s house. It is a form of
respect. Because the sole of a slipper can bring dirt.
 When eating out or if there is a visitor, they invite the visitor to eat
regardless whether the visitor will eat with or not. It is a form of
respect.
 Filipinos are known globally to be hospitable, they treat their visitors
as if they are family. They do it by preparing the food deliciously and a
comfortable room to stay.
 Filipinos maintain a very close bond with their family. Even if the
children are old and have their own family, they make sure to reunite
with or without an occasion. Elders are well taken care by their
children even if they have their own household to run.
 Filipinos have positive and cheerful reactions to negative
happenings. It is not that they are not worried, they just believe in
the power of resiliency. Floods, storms, earthquakes, and other
disasters, Filipinos can still smile after a terrible incident.
  Self-sacrifice is another Filipino trait that can be seen as extension to
Filipino hospitability. They sacrifice a lot just to help their family and
friends. An example of this is when an older sibling stops his/her
education to give way to his/her younger siblings’ education.
 “Bayanihan” It is giving without expecting something in return.
 “Bahala na attitude” this phrase came from “Bathala na” which means
leaving everything into God’s hands.
 Colonial mentality is also common among Filipinos. It is the lack of
patriotism. They patronize more of foreign products that their local
products. It is because of the experience of the country with
colonization.
 Maniana Habit or procrastination. Doing things that could have been
done at the present but they do it at a later time.
 Ningas kugon refers to the attitude of eagerly starting things but
quickly losing eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty. Laziness is
common among Filipinos.
 Filipino attitude of pride is common. When there is a family feud, no
one will apologize first because they want the other party to say sorry
first.
 Crab mentality is when someone is progressing but people will not be
happy about it. They will talk ill about that person and wish for his/her
failure. This trait is also common to Filipinos and this trait is very toxic.
 Filipinos do not practice punctuality. They go to an event later than the
promised time. That is Filipino time.

How to be a good Filipino:

1. Be an active citizen- A Filipino must be aware of the country’s
current events and participate in government programs that have
goals for progression.
2. Study the Philippine History- A Filipino must know about the history
of the Philippines to appreciate the freedom he/she experiencing
because of the ancient heroes of the Philippines. One’s love for the
country must start from knowing the country.
3. Support local product- Patronize the products made by our country
people. It will not only help our economy to grow but offer
opportunities for unemployment.
4. Speak the Filipino Language- According to Jose Rizal, speaking with
our own language is a sign of displaying love for our country. It also
serves as an identifier of a Filipino.

ACTIVITY:
1. Make an acrostic that describes you as a Filipino.
 F-
I-
L-
I-
P-
I-
N-
O-
2. Discuss how being a Filipino affects your “self”. How can becoming a
better Filipino influence your duty to becoming a better version of your
“self”?

3. Cut out pictures from magazines and newspapers that express your
being as a Filipino.
 Topic 14: Digital Self
The digital self is a mask that we put on to engage the technological
world (Hicks,2010). It is the version of ourselves that we want others to see
and talk about. It is the self that we present to others. We only control the
information that we give in order to gain the response that we needed.
The digital world has become an outlet for everyone who experiences
events in life. With a click, you can show the world how happy or sad you
are, the new shoes you bought from lazada, the wedding of your sister or
family member or how you look during that event, and other more reasons.
Since it has become a trend, the number of users of technology is
rising each day. The self becomes more adaptive with what is trendy and it
embodies that trend until its impact will diminish. That means the digital self
will go after to what will be the response of other digital people. Even in
communication, online interaction has become more common than meeting
people face-to-face. With the use of phone, a video call has become possible
where you can see each other’s face through the phone and talk. Buying
foods and things has become easy through the use of delivery applications
where people will only book their orders and after a few minutes, delivery
will knock on the door.
If a person is much active in the digital world, it will be hard for
him/her to interact with the real world. He/she might bring how he/she
presents his/herself online in the real world. A boundary must be set.

Setting boundaries to your Online self

The following are ways how to share yourselves online in a smart way
that will protect ourselves and will not harm others. Take note of these
questions before sharing anything:
 Is this post/story necessary?
 Is there a real benefit to this post?
 Have we resolved this issue? An issue still being worked out
in the home, or one that is either vulnerable or highly
emotional, should not be made public.
 Is it appropriate? Does it stay within the boundaries of our
family values?
 Is this post suited for sharing?

Rules to follow
Follow these guidelines for proper sharing of information and using
internet:
  Stick to safer sites
 Guard your passwords
 Limit what you share
 Remember that anything you put online or post on a site is
there forever, even if you try to delete it.
 Do not be mean or embarrass other people online.
 Always tells if you see strange or bad online behavior.
 Be choosy about your online friends.
 Be patient

ACTIVITY:
Using a 1/8 illustration board, make a slogan or a poster about
becoming a responsible internet user. Use your creativity on your work.
 CHAPTER III: MANAGING ANG CARING FOR THE SELF
“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you
want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort”

-- Deborah Day

Introduction:

The third and final part of the book is partly identified in three areas of
concerns for young students or learner, goal setting and managing stress. This
chapter also provides for more practical applications of the concepts discussed
in the book which enable us to get hands-on experience in developing self-
help plans for self-regulated learning and self-care. In this chapter, learning
plays a very big issue. Because learning is an active process of engaging and
manipulating objects, experiences, and conversations to build a mental model
of the world. It builds on prior knowledge and involves in enriching, building
on and changing existing understanding, where one's knowledge base is
scaffold that supports s the construction of all the future learning. Our ideas
and use them in our real-life setting so that we can build our idea to share
with others and improve upon it. After we can improve our idea we can then
passed on to others. Learning occurs in a complex social environment, thus it
should be limited to be being examined or perceived as something that
happens on an individual level.

This chapter also discussed more experiences and beliefs, which plays a
major factor in our physical and socio-emotional factor, even cognitive
development is involved in it. The term Self-concept was being discussed,
which the term self-concept is a general term used to refer to how someone
thinks about or perceives themselves. Self-esteem also being introduced
during this chapter; self-esteem always involves a degree of self-evaluation.
It is used to describe a person’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value.
Generally, children who have a warm and secure relationship with their
parents/careers are more likely to have a positive self-concept and high self-
esteem. Self-esteem is often seen as a personality trait, which means it tends
to be enduring. It also affects our trust in others, our relationships, our work.
Not only about self has been discussed during this chapter, but we tackle also
about Goal setting and Planning. We know it is important for having a goal,
as a goal is a level of performance proficiency that one wishes to attain within
a specific time. The gold setting theory was based on the premise that much
human action is purposeful, and it is directed and driven by conscious goals.
There are five principles of goal setting, first is clarity which is clear and
specific, second is the challenge, which is our motivation for achievements,
the third one is commitment. Which is the relevant goal that motivates a
person to work, the fourth one is the feedback, which provides an opportunity
to clarify expectations and last the task complexity, which is setting a
challenging goal task complexity involves appropriate balance
 Topic 15

Lesson1: Learning to be a Better Student

“Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities.

They vary in their desires to reach their potential.”

Metacognition

- Commonly defined as “thinking about thinking”

- It is the awareness of the scope and limitations of your current

knowledge and skills.

- Enables the person to adapt their existing knowledge and skills to

approach a learning task, seeking for the optimum result of the learning
experience

- Includes keeping one’s emotions and motivations while learning in check

- The goal of metacognition is for the student to be a self-regulated

learner.

Metacognition basically has two aspects:

Self-appraisal is your personal reflection on your

knowledge and capabilities.
Self-management is the mental process you employ using
what you have in planning and adapting to successfully learn
or accomplish a certain task.

Similar concepts:

metacognitive knowledge or what you know about how

you think
 metacognition regulation or how you adjust your
thinking processes to help you learn better

Under metacognitive knowledge, there are several variables that affect how
you know or assess yourself as a thinker:

personal variable, which is your evaluation of your

strengths and weaknesses in learning
task variable, which is what you know or what you think
about the nature of the task, as well as what strategies the
task requires
strategy variable refers to what strategies or skills you
already have in dealing with certain tasks.

You must have an accurate self-assessment and you must be honest about
what you know and capable of in order to find ways to utilize your strengths
and improve on your weaknesses.

The following are other skills that can help you in exercising metacognition:

 Knowing your limits. The scope and limitations of your resources so

that you can work with what you have at the moment and look for ways
to cope with other necessities
 Modifying your approach. The recognition that your strategy is not
appropriate with the task, to modify your strategy in comprehending
your material
 Skimming. Browsing over a material and keeping an eye on keywords,
phrases, or sentences. It is also about knowing where to search for such
key terms.
 Rehearsing. It’s not just about repeatedly talking, writing, and/or
doing what you have learned, but also trying to make a personal
interpretation or summary of the learning experience.
  Self-Test. Trying to test your comprehension of your learning
experience or the skills you have acquired during learning.

Other strategies that you need to develop include asking questions about your
methods, self-reflection, finding a mentor or support group if necessary,
thinking out loud (though you have to be considerate of others also when
doing this), and welcoming errors as learning experiences.

Other tips that you can use in studying are the following (Queensland
University of Technology Library n.d.)

Make an outline of the things you want to learn, the things you are
reading or doing, and/or the things you remember.
Break down the task in smaller and more manageable details.
Integrate variation in your schedule and learning experience. Change
reading material every hour and do not put similar topics together.
Try to incubate your ideas.
Revise, summarize, and take down notes, then reread them to help you
minimize cramming in the last minute.
Engage what you have learned.

APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT

 Scenario:

You are about to study for your final

examinations and it is as if the universe conspired for
a heavy finals week, all your subjects provided at
least three new reading materials and topics one
week (7 days) before the examination period.

Create a diagram or schedule using at least five

of the metacognitive strategies, skills, and studying
techniques mentioned in this lesson on how you
would prepare for the next seven days before your final examinations.
 Topic 16

Lesson 2: Setting Goals for Success

“Setting goals is the first steps in turning the invisible into the visible”
-Tony Robbins

Albert E. Bandura’s Self-efficacy

The Bobo Doll Experiment:

Sample children were presented with new social models of violent and
nonviolent behavior toward an inflatable redounding Bobo doll. The result was;
the group of children who saw the violent behavior model became violent to
the doll, while the control group who was presented with the nonviolent
behavior model was rarely violent to the doll. This experiment has proven
right the hypothesis that social modeling is a very effective way of learning.
Thus, Bandura’s social cognitive theory states that people are active
participants in their environment and are not simply shaped by that
environment.

Summary of Self-Efficacy Theory:

Distinguishes between expectations of efficacy and response-outcome

expectancies:

Outcome expectancy is “a person’s estimate that a given behavior will

lead to certain outcomes.”
 Efficacy expectation is “the conviction that one can successfully
execute the behavior required to produce the outcomes.”

- Outcome and efficacy expectations are differentiated because

individuals can believe that a particular course of action will produce
certain outcomes.

- Self-efficacy typically comes into play when there is an actual or

perceived threat to one’s personal safety, or one’s ability to deal with
potentially aversive events.

- Dr. Bandura defined self-efficacy as “people’s beliefs about their

capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise
influence over events that affect their lives.”

He identified acts of people with “high assurance in their capabilities,” such

as:

 Approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered;

 Set challenging goals and maintain strong commitment to
them;
 Heighten or sustain efforts in the face of failures or
setbacks;
 Attribute failure to insufficient effort or deficient knowledge
and skills which are acquirable; and
 Approach threatening situations with assurance that they
can exercise control over them.

He identified acts of people with “high assurance in their capabilities,” such

as:

1. approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered;

2. set challenging goals and maintain strong commitment to them;

 3. heighten or sustain efforts in the face of failures or setbacks;

4. attribute failure to insufficient effort or deficient knowledge and skills

which are acquirable; and

5. approach threatening situations with assurance that they can exercise

control over them.

6. In contrast, people “who doubt their capabilities”:

shy away from tasks they view as personal threats;

have low aspirations and weak commitment to goals they
choose to pursue;
dwell on personal deficiencies, obstacles they will
encounter, and all kinds of adverse outcomes, rather than
concentrating on how to perform successfully;
slacken their efforts and give up quickly in the face of
difficulties;
are slow to recover their sense of efficacy following failure
or setbacks; and
fall easy victim to stress and depression.

7. Dr. Bandura described four main sources of influence by which a

person’s self-efficacy is developed and maintained. These are:

performance accomplishments or mastery experiences;

vicarious experiences;
verbal or social persuasion; and
physiological (somatic and emotional) states.

Carol S. Dweck’s Fixed and Growth Mindset Theory

Dr. Dweck described people with two types of mindset:

 People who believe that success is based on their innate abilities have a
“fixed” theory of intelligence, and goes under fixed mindset. Fixed-
mindset individuals dread failure because it is a negative statement on
their basic abilities;

 People who believe that success is based on hardwork, learning,

training, and perseverance have growth theory of intelligence, which
goes under growth mindset. Growth-mindset individuals do not mind
or fear failure as much because they realize their performance can be
improved and learning comes from failure.

Individuals may not necessarily be aware of their own mindset, but their
mindset can still be discerned based on their behavior.

Edwin A. Locke’s Goal Setting Theory

The basic contents of goal setting theory are summarized in terms of 14

categories of findings:

1. The more difficult the goal, the greater the achievement.

2. The more specific or explicit the goal, the more precisely performance is
regulated.

3. Goals that are both specific and difficult lead to the highest performance.

4. Commitment to goals is most critical when goals are specific and difficult.

5. High commitment to goals is attained when:

1. the individual is convinced that the goal is important; and

 2. the individual is convinced that the goal is attainable (or
that, at least, progress can be made toward it).

There are many ways to convince a person that a goal is important:

• In most laboratory settings, it is quite sufficient to simply ask for

compliance after providing a plausible rationale for the study.

• In work situations, the supervisor or leader can use legitimate authority

to get initial commitment.

• Continued commitment might require additional incentives such as

supportiveness, recognition, and rewards.

Financial incentives may facilitate commitment and performance;

participation by subordinates in setting goals leads to higher commitment than
curtly telling people what to do with no explanation; self-set goals can be
highly effective in gaining commitment.

Commitment can be enhanced by effective leadership. Relevant leadership

techniques include:

providing and communicating an inspiring vision;

acting as role model for the employees;
expecting outstanding performance;
promoting employees who embrace the vision and
dismissing those who reject it;
delegating responsibility (“ownership”) for key tasks;
goal setting itself can be delegated for capable, responsible
employees;
expressing (genuine) confidence in employee capabilities;
enhancing capabilities through training; and
asking for commitment in public.
6. In addition to having a direct effect on performance, self-efficacy
influences:

 the difficulty level of the goal chosen or accepted;

 commitment to goals;
 the response to negative feedback or failure; and
 the choice of task strategies.

7. Goal setting is most effective when there is feedback that shows

progress in relation to the goal.

8. Goal setting (along with self-efficacy) mediates the effect of knowledge

of past performance on subsequent performance.

9. Goals affect performance by affecting the direction of action, the degree

of effort exerted, and the persistence of action over time.

10. Goals stimulate planning in general. Often, the planning quality is

higher than that which occurs without goals. When people possess task
or goal-relevant plans as a result of experience or training, they activate
them automatically when confronted with a performance goal. Newly
learned plans or strategies are most likely to be utilized under the
stimulus of a specific, difficult goal.

11. When people strive for goals on complex tasks, they are least
effective in discovering suitable task strategies if:

 they have no prior experience or training on the task;

 there is high pressure to perform well; and

 there is high time pressure (to perform well immediately).

12. Goals (including goal commitment), in combination with self-

efficacy, mediate or partially mediate the effects of several personality
traits and incentives on performance.
 13. Goal-setting and goal-related mechanisms can be trained and/or
adopted in the absence of training for the purpose of self-regulation.

14. Goals serve as standards of self-satisfaction, with harder goals

demanding higher accomplishment in order to attain self-satisfaction
than easy goals. Goals can also be used to enhance task interest, reduce
boredom, and promote goal clarity. When used to punish or intimidate
people, however, goals increase stress and anxiety.

APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT

1. Self-efficacy Collage. Make a collage of your own

perceived self-efficacy using Dr. Albert Bandura’s four
sources of influence for the development and
maintenance of self-efficacy.

2. Goal Setting Plan. Make a goal setting plan (for

one semester only) based on what you learned from
Locke’s goal setting theory.

3. Who are you or what would you become:

a. In five years
b. In ten years
c. In twenty years
 Topic 17

Lesson 3: Taking Charge of One’s Health

“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest
responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then
honoring them.”

-- Kristi Ling

Stress and Human Response

Selye hypothesized a general adaptation or stress syndrome. This

general stress syndrome affects the whole body. Stress always manifests itself
by a syndrome, a sum of changes, and not by simply one change.

The general stress syndrome has three components:

 The alarm stage

 The stage of resistance
 The exhaustion stage

Stress diseases are maladies caused principally by errors in the body’s general
adaptation process. If stress is induced chronically, our defense response
lowers its resistance since fewer antibodies are produced and an inflammatory
response dwindles. The stress response begins in the brain.

When someone experiences a stressful event, the amygdala, an area of the

brain that contributes to emotional processing, sends a distress signal to the
hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a bit like a command center. This area of
the brain communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic
nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system has two components:

 The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight

response, providing the body with a burst of energy so that it can
respond to perceived dangers.
 The parasympathetic nervous system promotes the “rest and
digest” response that calms the body down after the danger has passed.

Techniques to Counter Chronic Stress

1. Relaxation response. These include deep abdominal breathing,

focus on a soothing word (such as peace or calm), visualization of
tranquil scenes, repetitive prayer, yoga, and tai chi.

2. Physical activity. People can use exercise to stifle the buildup of

stress in several ways. Exercise, such as taking a brisk walk
shortly after feeling stressed, not only deepens breathing but also
helps relieve muscle tension.

3. Social support. Confidants, friends, acquaintances, co-workers,

relatives, spouses, and companions all provide a life-enhancing
social net, and may increase longevity.

The Cultural Dimension of Stress and Coping

- a person’s internalized cultural values, beliefs, and norms affect the

appraisal process of stressors and the perceived appropriateness of
coping responses;

- stress and coping are universal experiences faced by individuals

regardless of culture, ethnicity, and race;

- members of different cultures might consider and respond to stressors

differently with respect to coping goals, strategies, and outcomes.
 - avoidance, withdrawal, and forbearance coping methods are common
among Asians;

- spiritual, religious, and ritual based coping are common among African-
Americans and African-Canadians;

- spiritual and religious coping and coping through family support are
common among individuals of Latino/Latina backgrounds

Self-care Therapy

1. Stop, breathe, and tell yourself: “This is hard and I will get through this
one step at a time.”

2. Acknowledge to yourself what you are feeling. All feelings are normal so
accept whatever you are feeling.

3. Find someone who listens and is accepting. You do not need advice. You
need to be heard.

4. Maintain your normal routine as much as possible

5. Allow plenty of time for a task.

6. Take good care of yourself. Remember to:

a. Get enough rest and sleep.

b. Eat regularly and make healthy choices.

c. Know your limits and when you need to let go.

d. Identify or create a nurturing place in your home.

e. Practice relaxation or meditation.

f. Escape for a while through meditation, reading a book, watching

a movie, or taking a short trip.
Self-compassion Therapy

- Being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail,

or feel inadequate, rather than flagellating ourselves with self-criticism;

- Being imperfect and experiencing life difficulties is inevitable, so we

soothe and nurture ourselves when confronting our pain rather than
getting angry when life falls short of our ideals;

- Recognizes that life challenges and personal failures are part of being
human, an experience we all share. In this way, it helps us to feel less
desolate and isolated when we are in pain.

Self-compassion Phrases

This is a moment of suffering.

Suffering is a part of life.
May I be kind to myself.
May I give myself the compassion I need.

The first phrase helps to mindfully open to the sting of emotional pain.
The second phrase reminds us that suffering unites all living beings and
reduces the tendency to feel ashamed and isolated when things go wrong in
our lives. The third phrase begins the process of responding with self-kindness
rather than self-criticism. The final phrase reinforces the idea that you both
need and deserve compassion in difficult moments.

Other phrases that may feel more authentic in a given situation are:
“May I accept myself as I am,” “May I forgive myself,” or “May I learn to
accept what I cannot change.”
Self-compassion and Emotional Well-being

- A key feature of self-compassion is the lack of self-criticism, and self-

criticism is known to be an important predictor of anxiety and
depression.

- Self-compassion is not merely a matter of looking on the bright side of

things or avoiding negative feelings. Self-compassionate people
recognize when they are suffering, but are kind toward themselves.

- Self-compassion is associated with greater wisdom and emotional

intelligence, suggesting that self-compassion represents a wise way of
dealing with difficult emotions.

- By wrapping one’s pain in the warm embrace of self-compassion,

positive feelings are generated that help balance the negative ones.

Self-compassion, Motivation, and Health

- Research supports the idea that self-compassion enhances motivation

rather than self-indulgence.

- Self-compassionate people aim just as high, but also recognize and

accept that they cannot always reach their goal.

- Self-compassionate people have been found to have less motivational

anxiety and engage in fewer self-handicapping behaviors such as
procrastination than those who lack self-compassion.
 - Self-compassion was positively associated with mastery goals (the
intrinsic motivation to learn and grow) and negatively associated with
performance goals (the desire to enhance one’s self-image)

- Self-compassionate people are motivated to achieve, but for intrinsic

reasons, not because they want to garner social approval.

Self-compassion versus Self-esteem

 Self-compassion:
 Predicts greater happiness and optimism as well as less
depression and anxiety when controlling for self-esteem
 Are less focused on evaluating themselves, feeling superior to
others, worrying about whether or not others are evaluating them,
defending their viewpoints, or angrily reacting against those who
disagree with them
 Self-esteem:
 Robust association with narcissism
 Evaluation of superiority/inferiority that helps to establish social
rank stability and is related to alerting, energizing impulses and
dopamine activation

Self-compassionate Letter

1. Candidly describe a prsoblem that tends to make you feel bad about
yourself.

2. Next, think of an imaginary friend who is unconditionally accepting and

compassionate.

3. Finally, write a letter to yourself from that perspective. What would your
friend say about your perceived problem? What words would he or she
use to convey deep compassion? How would your friend remind you that
 you are only human? If your friend were to make any suggestions, how
would they reflect unconditional understanding?

4. When you are done writing, put the letter down for a while and come
back to it later. Then read the letter again, letting the words sink in,
allowing yourself to be soothed and comforted.

5. Less Stress, Care More

We should be in control of the stress that confronts us every day.

Otherwise, when we are overwhelmed by stress, it can be detrimental to our
health. Self-care and self-compassion are two ways to positively confront
stress. We should love and care for our self-more and more each day.

APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT

1. Reaction Paper. Make a reaction paper about

the article “Stress and Filipino” by Michael L. Tan
from the Philippine Center for Investigative
Journalism. (2006). The article is available through
this link: http://pcij.org/ stories/stress-and-the-
Filipino/. Use the lesson on the social and cultural
dimension of stress in making your reaction paper.

2. Self-Care Plan. Design for your self-care plan

for the whole school year.

3. Reflection Paper. Make a self-compassionate letter and make a

reflection paper about it.
References:

1. https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/understanding-the-self-lecture-
1-philosophical-perspectives?qid=9c3bfff9-d3be-413e-b882-
77aca6920fa6&v=&b=&from_search=1
2. https://www.thelivemirror.com/greatest-philosophers-of-all-time/
3. www.psychologytoday.com
4. https://www.slideshare.net/ArnoldDelfin1/social-self-
socialization?qid=c931847c-e28e-4934-877c-
b030fbf8bd2c&v=&b=&from_search=2
5. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00mkmxPCYS_DEsmMRz
Qeqj5dvrU7A%3A1595401047098&source=hp&ei=V-
6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01656/full
7. https://www.slideshare.net/SidraWahid/self-concept-
16547782?qid=d2f1b588-c513-4dfb-a0c6-
360721aaccc1&v=&b=&from_search=1
8. Viktor E. Frankl (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning.
9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-srD1Deh9Xg
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holocaust
11. 1. James Fadiman & Robert Frager (2002). Personality and
Personal Growth. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
2. Satprem Sri Aurobindo or The Adventure of Consciousness.
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self?qid=934730ba-c545-449f-a949-
4bf92940b804&v=&b=&from_search=1
13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yM_P6WdRJU
14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbdyR447aP8
15. http://www.familyplanning2020.org/philippines
16. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44882/978924
1503754_eng.pdf?sequence=1
17. https://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/FPCSM_
2014.pdf
18. https://www.livescience.com).
19. https://www.healthline.com
20. https://www.sciencedirect.com;
21. https://www.ch.ic.ac.uk › drugs › html).
22. https://www.addiction.com › blogs