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Core Self.
According to dictionary.com…
Core [kawr, kohr] – noun | the central, innermost, or most essential part of anything.
Self [self ]– noun | the identity, character, or essential qualities of any person or thing | one’s own person as distinct from all others:
According to the Core Integrity Model by Dr. Lowell Routley…
Core Self…
1. is present at birth;
2. continues on through every moment of life;
3. was intended to live a life of significance;
4. expresses from Core qualities and values;
5. desires to live from integrity.
A definition of Core Self requires acknowledgment that Core Self is more than a material, physical being. In that context, I believe that the search for purpose, meaning, or worth sets the human being apart from animals. Core Self is that sense of identity endowed by our Creator at conception. From that point, a progression of consciousness and identity unfolds.
Core Integrity.
According to dictionary.com…
Core [kawr, kohr] – noun | the central, innermost, or most essential part of anything.
In · teg · ri · ty [in-teg-ri-tee] – noun | the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.
According to Dr. Lowell Routley…
Core Integrity | the state of wholeness in the most basic aspect of self.
Or in laymen’s terms…
…being who you were meant to be.
However the term Core Integrity is defined, the Big Idea is to move toward true identity, being real, being authentic. Core Self and Core integrity are tenets that are central to this organization’s mission and vision: That each individual’s unique core identity…
…is endowed by his/her Creator.
…naturally seeks to grow and thrive.
…has an amazing capacity to survive atrocity.
…has the ability to heal and thrive.
A Core Self timeline.
At conception. Core Self (that sense of identity) is endowed by our Creator.
During gestation. Science has shown the senses are active even before birth; prenatal memory is evident in the child’s recognition of mother’s favorite music after birth.
At birth. The infant becomes conscious of the external world. The external world is loud, bright, cold, huge. The first breath is often followed by a cry, as the senses become aware of the external world. Core Self seeks community to acknowledge existence and uniqueness beginning with one’s name.
During infancy. Community welcomes the child, beginning with the parents naming the child, the social acknowledgement of identity. Community begins to compare looks with genetic traits of biological heritage: “She has eyes like her dad.” ”His hair is like his grandmother’s.”
Early childhood. An expression of self develops. No matter what one’s life experience, that expression is “Mine!” or “No!” (Any observer of a child knows of the Terrible Twos.) As the child grows and responds to the social world, behavior and mood are compared with heritage: “If that isn’t just like his father.” “She is so calm; like her mom is.”
[Community looks for the connections to heritage until the middle school years.]
Middle school years. At that time, peer group is held responsible: “He hangs with the wrong crowd.” “She gets picked on so much she has turned into a wallflower.” Individuality is acknowledged to varying degrees by one’s social circles.
High school and beyond.
Uniqueness. If you ask most people who they are, there is a definite sense that they are unique; they want say-so in directing their life. Each asserts there is something that makes him/her stand out from others – a uniqueness, a purpose, an ability The assertion of ownership to objects in the environment, asserting control of body, mind, or mood reflects a “hardwired” sense of personal identity that seems transcultural.
Autonomy. Asserting one’s wishes, wants, needs, and desires is the means by which our Core Self steps forward and announces to the world his/her presence.
Some conclusions.
• Core Self owns the mind and body as its means for expression.
• Neurocognitive research demonstrates that Core Self exists in a pulse-like fashion, moment by moment.
• The brain’s neurological activity supports the presence of Core Self in its intentionality.
• Core consciousness is in the moment to the degree life experiences and beliefs allow.
• Anything that leads Core Self to feel shame or have doubt will suppress Core Self.
• To be in one’s Core Self is to experience life to its fullest.
• If one is influenced by others’ expectations, a Persona Self is constructed to replace Core Self.
• Life’s purpose is for Core Self to exist, experience, and express with meaning and value as intended by our Creator.
- Lowell Routley, PhD
