This series of impromptu talks (and the accompanying videos) discuss the various aspects of the Self, as I came to understand it. This understanding is based on my self exploration and experiences during my transition from a computer science professor to my current life’s work.

I originally posted these elements in my blog thread (see Who Is Melody Ivory?). I’m reposting them here so that they are more accessible and so that I can provide more background information about them.

My hope is that the views expressed can shed some light on why it can be challenging to change. Change has to be a gradual, whole-self process to be effective and lasting.

Part 1: The Whole-Self

This portion discusses the basics of our existence (i.e., we have physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects).

Part 2: The Core Self

This segment discusses the intersection of our four major aspects, distinguishes self-esteem from self-worth, and describes how fragmentation affects our inner and outer realities.

Part 3: The Human Computer

This portion compares our functioning to computers and provides insights on how to approach making changes. The computer analogy stems from my over 20 years in computer science. But, it is also a natural analogy because computers are modeled after us!

Part 4: The Integrated Self

This portion shares my story about the process I went through to integrate (and keep integrated) all aspects of my self. There is no video for this portion because I originally envisioned three videos and had titled them as such.

The Story

Between 2005 and 2006, I was intensely focused on healing. I originally focused on healing my physical body. As I did so, I started noticing what was going on in other areas—my emotional and mental bodies. At the same time, I started paying attention to my long-ignored spiritual body. I saw the connections and interactions that played out in my inner reality. I saw how those interactions played out in my outer reality and vice versa.

As I understood the power of understanding and transforming the whole-self, I decided to make the self, in particular self-allegiance, front and center in my work. On March 18, 2007, I recorded an impromptu talk that focused on the self. Later, on June 8, 2008, I recorded an impromptu talk that focused on the core self and the human computer. These two talks represent the viewpoint from which I carry out my work to help people be living works of art.