Psychosexual Development The Journey Toward Becoming Mature LifeGivers

Psychosexual Development The Journey Toward Becoming Mature Life-Givers and Lovers

Spirituality of Incarnation “…and the Word became flesh. ” –John 1: 14 Logos (Word) Sarx (Flesh)

Em-Bodiment n n To be incarnate at this time and place, with our unique background. Caro salutis est cardo The flesh is the pivot-point of salvation. n Tertullian

In-Carnation as Journey n n n Being in a body isn’t the same as being “incarnate”. A demanding, disciplined process. Embracing the human condition.

Escapes from Incarnation n n Repression n Flight from the body. Addiction n Fusion with the physicalemotional instincts.

Spirituality of Development Our awakening is an awakening of God and our rising is God’s rising. n --John of the Cross

Toward Mature Loving Psychology: Ø Growth Ø Development Ø Maturity Ø Integration Faith/Spirituality: Ø Grace/gift Ø On-going Conversion Ø Chastity Ø (W)holiness

Chastity n “A School for the gift of the self…” --Catholic Catechism

Discipleship and Sexuality Lay Down Your Life. “There is no greater love than this—to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ” Take Up Your Life. You can’t lay your life down, if you haven’t taken it up.

“Taking Up” Your Sexual Energy n n Another way of describing psychosexual development. The long journey toward integration

What Is Psychosexual Development? n n n All life unfolds. Person-in-process. Psycho-cognitiveemotional-spiritual -physical-social growth.

Peek-a-Boo: Metaphor for Growth in Intimacy n n You can see me! Relationships are joyful. I will be in charge of my self-disclosure. Some day, you can see my dreams, hopes, pain, vulnerable feelings.

Stages of Psychosexual Development n Prenatal n Childhood n Adolescence n Adulthood

Cycles of Psychosexual Development n Awakening n Exploring n Relating

Real Life Journey Cycles Stages Phases Challenges Breakthroughs Struggles Breakdowns

Our Inmost Self “You created my inmost self, knit me together in my mother’s womb. A wonder am I…” --Ps 139: 13 -14

Prenatal Psychosexuality n n n Primal rhythm of sexual response begins. Biological influences on sexual orientation. Strength and intensity of sexual arousal.

Toward Integration n n Interiority—deepening self-awareness Responsibility—emerging sense of agency n Creativity—developing passion and generative spirit. n Intimacy—increasing capacity for selfdisclosure.

Integrated Sexuality n n n n Compassion & Personal Warmth Tenderness & Gentleness with People Good Self-Esteem Healthy Self-Awareness Ability to Take Risks Psychic and Emotional Flexibility Body Comfort

Compartmentalized Sexuality n n n n Judgmental Attitudes Toward Others Critical, Punitive, Secretive Subtle Lack of Genuineness Grandiosity or Low Self-Esteem Careless or Overly Cautious Superficially Charming or Aloof Rigidity (“rigid orthodoxy”).

On-Going Integration What still hurts? n What needs healing? n

Ongoing Integration n How Can I Still Grow In the Skill and Art of Intimacy?