UNDERSTAND THE SELF​

LESSON 1-2
INSTRUCTOR: GAB

Puberty

●​ During the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and 15 years old, reproductive
organs grow to their adult size and become functional under the influence of rising levels
of gonadal hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen in females).
●​ In males, as they reach the age of 13, puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of
the reproductive organs followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and
face
●​ The reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation marked by
the presence of mature semen in the testes.
●​ In females, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 signals their
puberty stage. Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which happens two years
after the start of puberty. Hormones play an important role in the regulation of ovulation
and fertility of females,

Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System

●​ Infections are the most common problems associated with the reproductive system in
adults.
●​ Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and those whose
resistance to diseases is low.
●​ Escherichia coli which spreads through the digestive tract; the sexually transmitted
microorganism such as syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes virus; and yeast.
●​ In males, prostatitis, urethritis and epididymitis, all of which may follow sexual contacts in
which sexually transmitted disease (STD) microorganisms are transmitted Orchiditis.
●​ Neoplasms are a major threat to reproductive organs. Tumors of the breast and cervix are
the most common reproductive cancer in adult females and prostate cancer is a
widespread problem in adult males.

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 ●​ Most women hit the highest of their reproductive abilities in their late 20's. A natural
decrease in ovarian function usually follows, characterized by reduced estrogen production
that causes irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual periods. Menopause occurs when
females no longer experience menstruation.

Erogenous Zones

●​ refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when
touched in a sexual manner
●​ Some of the commonly known erogenous zones are the mouth, breast, genitals and anus.
●​ Other common areas of the body that can be aroused easily may include the neck, thighs,
abdomen and feet.

Human Sexual Behavior

●​ is defined as any activity solitary, between two persons or in a group that induces sexual
arousal.

two major factors:

1.) The inherited sexual response pattern-evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that
became part of each individual's genetic inheritance.

2.) The degree of restraint or other types of influence exerted on the individual by society in the
expression of his sexuality.

Types of Behavior

1.) Solitary Behavior

●​ Involving only one individual. Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual
arousal and generally, sexual climax. Self-gratification, generally beginning at or before
puberty, is very common among young males.
●​ The fantasy frequently involves idealized sexual partners and activities that the individual
has not experienced and even might avoid in real life

2.). Sociosexual Behavior

●​ heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that occurs between
only one male and one female.

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 ●​ Physical contact involving necking or petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning
process.
●​ Pitting differs from hugging, kissing and generalized caresses of the clothed body to
practice involving stimulation of the genitals and leading into coitus.
●​ Coitus, the insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female reproductive
organ

Physiology of Human Sexual Response

Excitement phase

●​ it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden rise in blood supply to the
surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing and swelling of all
distensible body parts, more rapid breathing, the secretion of genital fluids, vaginal
expansion and a general increase in muscle tension.

Plateau phase

●​ It is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.

Sexual climax

●​ It is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a rapid increase in pulse rate and
blood pressure and spasm of the pelvic muscle causing contractions of the female
reproductive organ and ejaculation by the male.

Resolution phase

●​ It is the last stage that refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiologic state.
Males and females are similar in their response sequence. Whereas males return to
normal even if stimulation continues, but continued stimulation can produce additional
orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of repeated orgasms without the
intervening "rest period" required by males.

Nervous System Factors

●​ The brain will interpret the sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate and
appropriate response of the body. The hypothalamus and the limbic system are the parts

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 of the brain believed to be responsible for regulating the sexual response, but there is no
specialized "sex center" that has been located in the human brain.

Sexual Problems

●​ Sexual problems may be classified as physiological, psychological, and social in origin. Any
given problem may involve all three categories.

Physiological problems are the least among the three categories. Only a small number of people
suffer from diseases that are due to abnormal development of the genitalia or that part of the
neurophysiology controlling sexual response. Some common physiologic conditions that can
disturb sexual response include vaginal infections, retroverted uteri, prostatitis, adrenal tumors,
diabetes, senile changes of vagina and cardiovascular problems.

Psychological problems comprise by far the largest category. They are usually caused by induced
inhibitions, maladapted attitudes, ignorance, and sexual myths held by society. An example of the
latter is the belief that good, mature sex must involve rapid erection, prolong coitus and
simultaneous orgasm.

Premature emission of semen is a common problem, especially for young males. Sometimes this
is not the consequence of any psychological problem but the natural result of excessive tension in
a male who has been sexually deprived. Erectile impotence is almost always of psychological origin
in males under 40; in older males, physical causes are more often involved

Ejaculatory impotence, which results from the inability to ejaculate in coitus, is uncommon and is
usually of psychogenic origin.

Vaginismus is a strong spasm of the pelvic musculature constricting the female reproductive
organ so that penetration is painful or impossible. It can be due to anti-sexual conditioning or
psychological trauma that serves as an unconscious defense against coitus.

Lesson 2: Supernatural

Spiritual Self - is the most intimate, inner subjective part of the self. It is the most intimate version
of the self because of the satisfaction experienced when thinking of one's ability to argue and

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discriminate of one's moral sensibility and conscience, and of our unconquerable will is purer than
all other sentiments of satisfaction.

Religion - set of cultural beliefs and practices that usually includes some or all basic
characteristics.

These characteristics are:

1. A belief in anthropomorphic supernatural beings, such as spirit and Gods.

2. A focus on the sacred supernatural, where sacred refers to a feeling of reverence and awe.

3. The presence of supernatural power or energy that is found on supernatural beings as well as
physical beings and objects.

4. The performance of ritual activities that involves the manipulation of sacred objects to
communicate to supernatural beings and to influence or control events.

Ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a tradition or sacred law. Ritual is a
specific, observable mode of behavior exhibited by all known societies. It is thus possible to view
ritual as a way of defining or describing humans.

Ritual has the characteristics of:

1. A feeling or emotion of respect, we, fascination or dread in relation to the sacred

2. Dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed in the language of myth

3. Is symbolic in relation to its reference

Some World Religious Beliefs and Practices

There are different religions with different beliefs and practices. Some of the major world religions
are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Except of some religious beliefs and
practices are found in the University of London's Religion and Belief Guide 2017.

Buddhism

Buddhism believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there are suffering, pain and
frustrations. When people suffer, they want to experience the goodness of life and avoid
disappointments

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Customs and Practices

There are two types of meditation practices:

1. Samatha is practiced as mindfulness of breathing and development of lovingkindness.

2. Vipassana practices aim at developing insight into reality.

●​ Acquiring wisdom is by studying Buddha's teaching, the Dharma. Through the reflection of
Dharma, Buddhist can achieve a deeper understanding of life.

Some of the major Buddhist celebration:

1. Parinirvana Day in February

2. Buddha Day in May

3. Dharma Day in July

4. Pamadsambhava Day on October 5. Sangha Day in November

Christianity

Christians believe in Trinitarian God. One god in three personas: God the father (Creator), God the
Son (Savior), and God the Holy Spirit (Sustainer). The Holy Bible is a selection of books, which is
divided into two: Old Testament and New Testament.

Customs and Practices

The Sacrament of Baptism symbolizes the birth in Christian World, while the Sacrament of
Communion is an act of remembrance of Jesus Christ's sacrificial love.

The two major celebrations in Christianity:

1. Christmas, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, December 25

2. Resurrection Sunday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death, sometime in
March or April.

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Hinduism

Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliefs and religious groups; thus, there is no single
founder or leader. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth, governed by
Karma. Karma is a concept where the reincarnated life will depend on how the past life was spent.
Vedas are sacred scriptures of Hindus. Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other important
texts of the Hindus.

Customs and Practices

Diwali and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of the Hindus.

1. Diwali is the Festival of Lights

2. Navrati is the Festival of Nine Nights, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Islam

Muslims believe in Allah, who is their "One God". They believe in the unity and universality of God.
Muslims also have a strong sense of community or "ummah" and an awareness of their solidarity
with Muslims worldwide. Islam means "willing submission to God.

Mohammed is the last and final prophet sent by God. Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 CE
and received revelations from God through Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Holy Book
of Islam called the Quran, which was taught to be recited in Arabic because any translation is seen
as inadequate.

Customs and Practices

Muslims believe in the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of Muslim life.

1. Shahadah - statement of faith

2. Salat - the prayer that is practiced five times a day

3. Zakat - the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It comprises the 2.5% of a Muslim's
assets.

4. Hajj - the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca.

5. Sawn - the fasting. Muslims do fasting, from food, drink, and sexual act, during the celebration
of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

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Two Major Festival in Islam

1. Eidul-Fitr is the celebration at the end of Ramadan

2. Eidul-Adha is celebrated within the completion of the Pilgrimage, the Hajj.

Judaism

Beliefs

The Jews believe in the God of Abraham, the same God that liberated the Hebrew slaves from
Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land through the leadership of Moses and later, Joshua.

Customs and Practices

There are five major festivals observed by the Jews.

1. Rosh Hashanah - New Year

2. Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement

3. Pesach - Passover

4. Shavuot - Pentecost

5. Sukkot - Tabernacles

Religious beliefs, rituals, practices and customs are all part of the expression of the spiritual self.
What to believe and how to manifest the belief is entirely dependent on the individual, to the self.
A person might believe that there is a higher being, a supernatural being, usually termed as GOD,
but not necessarily wants to be affiliated or identified with a certain religious group. Others may
have religious practices which are perceived to be contrary to the practices of other groups.
Religious beliefs and practices, therefore, are formed relative to its context and culture.

Finding and Creating Meaning of Life

Another extensive study of self can be found in the works of Dr. Viktor E. Frankl.

Psychiatrist

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Dr. Viktor E. Frankl was born on March 26, 1905 in Vienna, Austria, where famous psychiatrists
SigmundFreud and Alfred Adler lived. At a young age, he wrote a short paper to Freud which was
published after three years. Dr. Frankl graduated with a medical degree from the University of
Vienna in 1930. He was assigned in Vienna Hospital suicide ward and headed the Rothschild
Hospital, eight years later.

Logotherapy

Logotherapy is a psychotherapy introduced by Dr. Victor E. Frankl, who is considered the father of
logotherapy. The main belief of logotherapy is that " man's primary motivational force is search for

meaning". It aids individuals to find personal meaning of life, whatever life situation they may be.

Basic Concept of Franklian Psychology

The Franklian Psychology has the basic concepts. These are the following:

●​ Life has meaning under all circumstances

●​ Main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life
●​ Freedom to find meaning.

Franklin Psychology aims to:

[Link] aware of spiritual resources

2. make conscious spiritual resources

3. use "defiant power of human spirit" and stand up against adversity.

Logotherapy Assumptions

All psychotherapies make philosophical assumptions about the human persons that cannot be
proved with certainty. Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy state the assumptions of logotherapy
include the following:

1. The human being is an entity consisting of body, mind and spirit.

[Link] has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable.

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3. People have a will to meaning.

4. People have freedom under all circumstances to activate the will to find meaning.

5. Life has a demand quality to which people must respond if decisions are to be meaningful.

6. The individual is unique.

In essence, all humans are unique with an entity of body, mind and spirit. We all go through unique
situations and are constantly looking to find meaning. We are free to do these at all times in response to
certain demands.

Frankl's Sources of Meaning

1. Purposeful Work

●​ To find the meaning of life starts with holding a future goal. Each individual has each own
future goal to achieve or a task to perform. That task or goal to fulfil becomes the meaning
of their life. Therefore, the meaning of life is unique to every individual.

2. Courage in the Face of Difficulty

●​ A meaningful life is a life with suffering. Suffering is an inevitable part of life. To find
meaning of life is to recognize suffering, pain and death as part of life and to have the
courage to face these life difficulties.

3. Love

●​ Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his
Personality.

"The ultimate secret on the spiritual foundation of life is that love is salvation and joy eternity"
The ultimate factor to find the meaning of life is love.

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