I SHOP THEREFORE I AM: I HAVE THEREFORE I AM? That famous statement is part of an artwork created by Barbara Kruger. It describes the material consumption in the year 1987. It was from Rene Descartes’ philosophy of "I think therefore I am" and she gave it a twist that fits the idea of material consumption. The idea is that it is not what we think but what we own that identifies who we are. We became a society that focuses on “what they have rather than who they are.” The society gives off a vibe that material possessions, as well as social image, define who we are. The more in-depth personal attributes like accomplishments and ideas were pushed aside. She exposes society as a modern consumerdriven society (publicdelivery.com, 2011; Hai, 2018). William James (1980) suggested that the self is everything that is considered by the individual as his or hers. It includes his/her body and his/her material possessions and reputation and beliefs. In conclusion, the self is comprised of the material self, manifested by his/her material possessions (Go- Monilla & Ramirez, 2018, p. 134). As what William James stressed that the total of man is not only his body and his psychic powers but also his material possessions (Leary, 1990) The Basic Components of the Material Self, according to William James (1980): 1.Body – The innermost part of the material self. Taking good care of it will help you experience life to the fullest. 2. Clothes- Considered important to people alongside the soul and the body. The styles and brands of clothes become symbols that are the representation of the self. 3. Material Component 3a. Family and friends – These are people whom you are psychologically connected. They helped shape and influence yourself and your identity. 3b. House- A place where many aspects of your life developed. It also gives you comfort and security. Accumulation of a house reflects the wealth and hard labor. 3c. Cars-Also considered as a material possession as it also reflects the wealth and hard labor. 3d. Pets- It could be an expression of one’s social status, pride, prestige since owning a dog or a cat with breeds is very expensive. SHAPING THE WAY WE SEE OURSELVES Tips to get most of your money Adapted from the Federal Trade Commission (2009) Try to shop around before purchasing. Take time to read sale ads. Do not forget to consider the time and travel costs. Check for pricematching policies. Use the internet for price references. Bargain offers that are based on purchases of additional merchandise should be computed. We must remember that the “sale” price isn’t always the “best” price. Search for information can help you get the best price for the item you want. Some items are limited only to specific quantities or available to selected stores. Make some call ahead to ensure that the store has the item in stock and if they ‘be willing to hold the item for you Take into consideration the time, and travel cost before shopping. What if the item is across town, and you need to travel just to acquire it? Are you saving or not? Fish out for competitors’ prices and compare. You might find a good deal by comparing and contrasting. Surf the net to compare and contrast prices. You can also shop online but consider the shipping costs and delivery time Offers like “buy one, get one free,” “free gift with purchase,” or “free shipping with minimum purchase” seems tempting. It is not a great deal if you don’t want or need the item.. Some items go into the sale after a week that you purchase it. Try to ask the store if they have sale adjustments where you can get a credit or refund for the discounted amount if it is applicable. Ask first the refund and Refund and return policies for sale items or clearance sale return policies differ from regular items. for sale items. Some shops have sale adjustments. SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION Oftentimes, many people define spirituality and religion synonymously. There are also times that these two terms are interchangeably used. Conversely, they are definitely different concepts. But, they play an important role in our lives. Spirituality came from the Latin word spiritus which means breath of life. Jafari, Loghmani and Puchalski (2014) defines spirituality as a way an individual seeks and communicates the meaning of one’s experiences in relation to self, to nature, and to the moment. It is a connection to something bigger than you, of significant, reverent, or sacred. On the other hand, religion came from the Latin word religio that means an obligation, bond, reverence and religare that means to bind. Many scholars define religion as the relationship of an individual to God, and involves doctrines, beliefs and rituals connected with the same a group that has shared same faith. An individual can be both religious and spiritual but being religious does not mean you are a spiritual person. Religion Vs. Spirituality : What is the difference? (Brady, 2019) Objective vs. Subjective Experience Organized vs. Formless Traditional vs. Evolutionary Approach Religion Object referral focuses on the external (houses of worship, books of scripture, eternal rituals) Structures and rule based construct (moral rules, laws and doctrines) Deeply rooted in tradition, ritual, creed, and doctrine (transmitted through history) Spirituality Self-referral Focuses on the inward journey (internalization and awareness of one’s soul) No set of external rules, restrictions and rigid structure (pathless path of selfdiscovery) more flexible and adaptive (embraces change and the evolution of consciousness) Belief vs. Spiritual Experience Fear vs. Love About faith (Unconditional acceptance and surrender to the divine) Concepts of original sin, divine judgment, God’s wrath, or eternal punishment can direct experience of the soul or divinity Discards the remains of fear and worry in favor of a more loving, compassionate approach to life—and death The differences between spirituality and religion are not the outright judgment of which is better than the other. One’s spiritual and religious beliefs and practices may still vary from one person to another. Characteristics of a Spiritual Person Howell (2013) made a research on the personal and societal benefits of spirituality. Based on the responses, here the top five characteristics of a spiritual person. 1. A spiritual person is gracious. Spirituality encourages someone to be positive and expresses gratitude, shows generosity on time and resources, one’s overall life indeed. 2. A spiritual person is compassionate. Living a spiritual life lets a person to feel good even on small things in life. He or she looks at the world with empathy. 3. A spiritual person is flourishing. Spirituality enables a person to have positive relationships, high self-esteem and lets him or her look at the meaning and purpose in life. 4. A spiritual person is self-actualized. Spirituality practices help a person to focus on their Internal values for personal growth. A spiritual person concentrates on the fulfillment of one’s goal and that is to become a better individual. 5. A spiritual person takes time to savor life experiences. Living a spiritual life makes a person more aware of his or her day to day activities and gives an experience positive emotions related to small pleasures in life. THE PRACTICE OF RELIGION: BELIEF IN SUPERNATURAL BEING AND POWER As you grow older, you start to ask questions rooted in religious orientations. You have probably compared one religion from another. However, you make realizations and observations until you found the meaning of that goes beyond your religious orientations. Functions of Religion Cognitive Social Emotional Conflict Resolution Reinforcement of Group Solidarity enables human to explain the unexplainable phenomena maintains social order by encouraging socially acceptable behavior and discouraging inappropriate behavior controls the forces which they feel they have no control uses religion as a way of diffusing anger and hostility allow people to express common identity and strengthens group identity and belonging Sashur Henninger-Rener, an anthropologist – research, identified the common elements of Religion in relation to the belief in supernatural being and power. Elements of Religion 1. Cosmology. This explains the origin or history of the world. Religious cosmologies offer a “big picture” of how human life was created and the forces or powers at work in the universe 2. Belief in the Supernatural. This pertains to the realm beyond direct human experience. The belief may involve a god or gods, but it’s not a necessity. Quite a few religious beliefs involve more abstract ideas about supernatural forces. 3. Rules of Behavior. Such principles describe proper behavior for individuals and society as a whole, and are geared towards harmonizing individual acts with moral beliefs. 4. Rituals. Religious rituals or procedures which are typically supervised by religious experts. These may be oriented toward the supernatural, such as rituals designed to please the gods, but at the same time addressing the needs of individuals or of the entire community. FINDING AND CREATING MEANING [Frankl] According to Frankl (1959), the meaning of life lies in finding a purpose and taking responsibility for oneself and others. A person can face all the “how” questions of life by having a clear “why.” He / She can only make the world a better place by feeling safe and confident of the goal that motivates him or her. There are 3 ways to find meaning in one’s life according to Frankl in his novel, Man’s Quest For Meaning. By Doing a Deed realizing artistic quality comes not from the ‘greatness’ of the mission, but how one treats and executes his or her mission. It is not the ‘radius’ of the action which is essential, but how one feels the ‘circle’ of his / her mission – how respectfully one performs them. By Experiencing a Value explore all facets of life indepth, being open and receptive to all life has to bring. Deep emotional feelings, i.e. wonder and sunset happiness, a pleasure in close contact with others, sharing a child’s sorrow, etc. Support all of the emotions; don’t refuse them; float with them, but don’t get trapped. By Realizing Attitudinal Value accept with great bravery all the sufferings caused by an unchanging destiny. Out of your misery draw power of intent. Intrinsically, human life should never be meaningless. Life challenges us and puts various circumstances before us. Developing a Filipino Identity: Values, Traits, Community and Institutional Factors The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie took from the Malays, close family relations inherited from the Chinese, piousness came from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity are our dominant features. Positive relationships are a core value for Filipino communities, also known as “Personalism.” These involve sensitivity and regard for others, understanding, helping out, and consideration for others’ limitations. Children are taught to respect older family members, older adults and authority. It is considered the norm to seek the advice of and accept the decisions of older adults; and are obligated to care for aging parents, and maintain emotional ties with family members throughout the life span. Religion is central to our lives and serves as a means of coping with life’s adversities. The Philippines is divided geographically and culturally into regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects. Hospitality, cheerful disposition, welcoming character and passionate about life are what distinguishes us from the rest of ASEAN. These are the strengths of the Filipino character and in some ways our weaknesses. Psychologist, educator, and [former] chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan wrote that the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character are rooted in Factors, like [Gallinero, et al.,2018,p109] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The home environment. The social environment Culture and Language History The educational system 6. Religion 7.The economic environment 8.The political environment 9. Mass media 10.Leadership and role models. Strengths of the Filipino Character: The Filipino characteristics listed below are not complete, hence, these are the most we have in common. Filipino traits are as follows [Gallinero,et al.,2018p110]: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Pakikipagkapwa-tao Family orientation Joy and humor Flexibility,adaptability, and creativity Hard work and industry Faith and religiosity Ability to survive Weaknesses of the Filipino character: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Extreme personalism. Extreme family-centeredness Lack of discipline Passivity and lack of initiative Colonial mentality Kanya-kanya syndrome Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection Citizenship and Democracy Democracy is a Greek word that means demos [people’s rule]. It is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the hands of the people. As stated by the famous President Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. The idea of democracy is interpreted in many forms. In general, it implies majority rule, minority and individuals have equality of opportunities and under law, civil rights and liberties. Who is the citizen of the Philippines Is the one who is a member of a state who was accorded with full civil and political rights subject to disqualifications provided by law, and who is protected inside and outside of the state where He/she is a citizen. Self and Politics Man is considered a political animal. His/her thoughts about political happenings show his/her Personality and beliefs. Political socialization is a learning process by which individuals acquire political knowledge, beliefs and attitudes that helps develop a sense of self. The family is the major socializing agent. As children grow up, schools, peer groups and the media also become important agents of political Socialization.
