Category Archives: personal growth

On personal growth and development.

Differentiation and emotional maturity

Posted on April 6, 2009 by igalindo

A friend has been working on his differentiation of self for some time now. He is a curious learner, has done responsible self-work (reading, seeing a therapist, using a coach, working on his family of origin relationships), and he asks … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, leadership, personal growth | 1 Comment

What will they say about you?

Posted on March 4, 2009 by igalindo

On a few occasions I’ve engaged in the exercise of writing my own obituary or epitath. The exercise was prompted in seminars or workshops, and on one occasion as part of my orientation as a hospice chaplain. Kierkegaard said “Life … Continue reading →

Posted in humor, personal growth, world view | Comments Off on What will they say about you?

It’s a gender thing (maybe)

Posted on February 10, 2009 by igalindo

During a recent conversation I was asking for help in clarifying a misunderstanding from a colleague. She began our conversation by saying, “It’s probably a gender thing.” I’ve never found that a helpful way to start a conversation. My thought … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, personal growth, world view | 1 Comment

Winter issue of Leadership in Ministry Workshops newsletter

Posted on January 21, 2009 by igalindo

The winter 2009 issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops (LIM) newsletter is now available. You can download a copy of the newsletter by visiting the LIM website and selecting the link to the newsletters from the main menu. The … Continue reading →

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Self care and self-definition

Posted on November 25, 2008 by igalindo

For ministers, and aspiring ministers, who embrace that part of their calling involves service to others, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, investing in self-care can be a challenge. Whatever its source, feelings of obligation, guilt, or shame; or a lacking sense of … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, personal growth | 1 Comment

Functioning at one’s best

Posted on November 11, 2008 by igalindo

I received an interesting question about Bowen’s concept of self-differentiation. The question, an imaginative one, was “what if” some day scientists discovered a “differentiation gene.” It was fun to ponder, but, genes don’t work that way. More to the point, … Continue reading →

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“I don’t want to do that.”

Posted on October 28, 2008 by igalindo

I was intrigued by overhearing a common phrase last week. Overheard several times was the phrase, “I don’t want to do that.” It’s a common enough phrase (anyone who has ever had a three or four year old around the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, children, personal growth | Comments Off on “I don’t want to do that.”

How to learn BFST

Posted on October 27, 2008 by igalindo

I received an e-mail from a friend who has been studying Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) for the past few years. He has been reading the literature, asking good questions, and at one point sought out a therapist to serve … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth | 1 Comment

Novelty, reflection, and learning

Posted on October 20, 2008 by igalindo

I’ve observed that most folks settle into a professional routine (a rut, really) that intersects with the achievement of a certain level of competence. Once they learn the job and find efficient (if not effective) ways of doing it, they’ll … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth | Comments Off on Novelty, reflection, and learning

Differentiation of self

Posted on September 29, 2008 by igalindo

I recently received an e-mail from a friend who is doing self work. He asked: I was just wondering if you thought attaining a higher level of differentiation of self lends itself to becoming better able to manage or not … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, leadership, personal growth | 5 Comments