Kingdom of Characters
For anyone trying to change nonbeneficial habits like drinking, there can be a cacophony of inner voices, urges, and feelings that pull us in many directions. By giving them names, forms, and personalities, I have found that I can better talk with and understand them.
Being able to separate, subdue, and listen to these parts can help us as we make the necessary course corrections in our lives.
I intend to expand on last week’s article about Internal Family Systems and present another perspective that might help you relate more to your inner landscape. If you find this helpful, then use it. If you ain’t feeling it, then feel free to leave it behind.
My Inner Kingdom and Game of Thrones References.
I have always enjoyed the world of myth and fairy tales. So, when I heard one of my favorite podcasters, Erick Godsey, describe his inner world as a kingdom, I decided to incorporate his idea into my own.
My inner King or Lord— the Self in IFS— is the just and wise ruler.
This part of me is more ancient and powerful than even my egoic and logical mind. I picture someone like Lord Eddard Stark or the Queen in the North, Sansa Stark.
When they have their proper place on the throne, they can see and hear all those who request an audience. They can put subjects in their proper place with firm compassion or restore honor to those who have unjustly lost it.
My exiles are those banished to the hinterlands or creatures lurking in the unmapped regions. They are parts of myself that are kept locked up or under surveillance.
They cause trouble when repressed or unfairly mistreated. Think of exiled heirs like Daenerys Targaryen with her cohort of dragons as an example of the havoc exiles can create.
My advisers and emissaries— managers in IFS— plot and strategize how to best handle perceived threats. They wish to have the King’s ear and counsel him on dealing with those exiled parts.
Lord Tywin Lannister was a highly influential advisor to the crown. As Hand of the King, he bypassed the king’s authority or acted in his stead with all the throne’s power. A part such as he is a powerful inner personality and a forcible entity for a King to subjugate.
Knights and sorcerers— the IFS firefighters— respond quickly and use whatever means necessary to stomp out a threat to the realm.
They are battle-hardened and always on guard. If they are in a perpetual state of battle, they might try to assume control of the throne.
Robert Baratheon is an example of a mighty warrior who stepped out of his role. He was so powerful that he rebelled and usurped the throne, all in the name of what he thought was best. He was a great warrior but, ultimately, a pathetic king.
Keep Exploring. Keep Listening.
Just as a king or queen will not know every subject in their kingdom, I do not yet know all of the characters within me.
My list will continue to grow as I send explorers and emissaries to the unmapped lands. New aspects will come forth to be heard and honored as my journey progresses.
There are many ways to explore your inner terrain, and perhaps this glimpse into my world gives you some ideas to explore. I hope you see how you can have fun with this idea as you chart your inner world. Be curious and play around with this idea for a while. See what comes up.
