Critical Analysis Of 'Gestalt's Paradoxical Theory Of Change'

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What is a Journey? If a person off the street was randomly asked this question, he or she would say it would involve taking a trip to a distant location, perhaps as a vacation. For instance, going to Hawaii or the mountains to hike or ski. In “Gestalt’s Paradoxical Theory of Change” by Reg Harris, the idea of a journey referring to a long distance vacation is not the intent of Harris. To him, a journey begins with a person having an open mind, who is willing to take a closer look at themselves after critical analysis undergoes transformation. I agree that the journey is a way to find yourself, but I personally think a journey is more than just looking into yourself. A journey is a collection of events on which the exposure leaves impressions …show more content…

The timing was horrible, because I was immobile and was not able to do everyday necessities without having help. With the physical change I felt inadequate because I was a burden to my family, friends, and teachers. My psychological journey lasted over four years during which in time, my identity was being transformed from an athlete to a “nerd”. With my identity being questioned, I fell into what Harris describes as the “abyss”. Looking back now, I can see this was the turning point and that the pain was temporary. I had to discard my athletic demeanor and put more emphasis on my scholastic abilities for my future. I agree with Harris’s thoughts of, “reframing [from] negative, painful events in our lives, reinterpreting wounds so that they become starting points for growth” (Gestalt’s 3), and feel that I have used his ideas to become who I am today. At that time in my life I did not know Harris 's thoughts but I did know I had to think positive about my injuries or I would have ended up losing …show more content…

And hiding behind our stereotypical labels is our way of disguising who we truly are. By hiding behind the known traits we feel more confident because we do not have to risk people knowing our imperfections. The real fear is not what others think of us, but of what we think of ourselves. One could go through life concerned with how other people perceive them, when in reality a person should concentrate on themselves in terms of self identity. Who cares if others feel you are a nerd, if you are happy with yourself, this is what counts. Nevertheless, we will never find out who we are until we unlock our inner insecurities and use them to conquer our

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