#### ๐ฏ๏ธ Unblending
> โWeโre normally caught up in the current of our thinking, feeling, and emotions. With awareness, we can observe it all without being swept away.โ
> โ Tenzin Palmo
โUnblendingโ is the word [[โญ๏ธ Internal Family Systems|Internal Family Systems]] assigns to a state of being in which [[๐ก Parts|Parts]] are not [[๐ก Blending|blended]] with [[๐ก Presence|Presence]] but instead relax so we can be in relationship with them or other [[๐ก Parts|Parts]]. Unblending is very similar to "defusion" from [[๐ก Acceptance and Commitment Therapy|Acceptance and Commitment Therapy]].
This is often experienced as internal spaciousness, clarity of mind,[^1] and a greater sense of [[๐ฏ๏ธ Embodiment|embodiment]]. These are [[Qualities of Presence โ๏ธ]] which naturally arise once [[๐ก Parts|Parts]] have unblended.
Helping [[๐ก Parts|Parts]] trust that it's safe to unblend is the first [[The Goals of Internal Family Systems|Goal of IFS]] and is life-changing all on its own. [[๐ Blending is a spectrum]], and by unblending just a little bit we can immediately start getting to know our [[๐ก Parts|Parts]] โ whether through conversation or even by simply [[๐ฏ๏ธ Being With]] them. This allows us to repair or form new relationships with [[๐ก Parts|Parts]], and to offer the possibility of change *if* it's what they want.
###### Keys
- [[๐ We cannot force Parts to unblend]]. It's a happening, not a doing.
- [[๐ Blending is a spectrum]]
- [[๐ We only need a critical mass of Self-energy]]
- [[๐ Thoughts come from Parts|๐ We are blended when identified with thought]]
- [[๐ Awareness can catalyze change]]
- [[๐ Unblending helps us self-regulate]]
- [[๐ We are not expected to be unblended at all times]]
- [[๐ Mindfulness is an unblending exercise]]
![[๐ฆฎ How to help Parts unblend]]
###### See Also
- [[๐ As speed decreases, wonder increases]]
[^1]: [[๐ ๐ก Internal Family Systems Therapy, Second Edition]]
[^2]: [[๐ โ
IFS Online Circle]] Month 4 - Conflicting but Complimentary & Direct Access and In-Sight: A Decision - Month 4 with Pam Krause