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I do my thing and you do yours.
I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,
And you are not in this world to live up to mine.
You are you, and I am I,
And if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful.
If not, it can’t be helped.”

― Frederick Perls, Gestalt Therapy Verbatim

The Gestalt Prayer, written by Fritz Perls, encapsulates several core concepts of Gestalt therapy, a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual’s experience in the present moment. Here’s an analysis of the prayer through the lens of the five Gestalt concepts: here and now, awareness, figure and ground, field theory, and holism.

1. Here and Now

The concept of “here and now” in Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. The prayer reflects this by encouraging individuals to concentrate on their own actions and experiences in the present. The phrase “I do my thing and you do your thing” highlights the immediacy of personal action and the present reality of each individual’s life, rather than being preoccupied with others’ expectations or past interactions.

2. Awareness

Awareness is a key element in Gestalt therapy, involving a deep understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. The prayer promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance, encouraging individuals to be mindful of their own needs and desires without being swayed by external expectations. “You are you and I am I” suggests an awareness of personal boundaries and an acknowledgment of each person’s unique experience and identity.

3. Figure and Ground

In Gestalt therapy, “figure” refers to the aspects of experience that are the focus of attention, while “ground” refers to the background or context. The prayer suggests that the “figure” is one’s own actions and experiences (“I do my thing”), while the “ground” is the surrounding context, including other people’s actions and expectations. The prayer implies that one’s own actions should be the primary focus (figure) against the backdrop of others’ behaviors and expectations (ground), which should not dominate one’s personal experience.

4. Field Theory

Field theory in Gestalt therapy posits that an individual cannot be understood in isolation but must be seen in the context of their environment. The prayer acknowledges the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments while maintaining personal autonomy. “If by chance we find each other, it’s beautiful” reflects the idea that interactions occur within a shared field, and these interactions are part of the individual’s experience. However, it also recognizes that each person operates within their own unique field and that alignment is not always possible (“If not, it can’t be helped”).

5. Holism

Holism in Gestalt therapy refers to viewing individuals as whole beings, rather than as a collection of separate parts. The prayer embodies this by addressing the entirety of one’s existence and interactions. It suggests that an individual’s identity and experiences should be seen as complete and autonomous (“You are you and I am I”), and that meaningful connections are part of a holistic experience, enhancing the whole but not defining it. This holistic view promotes self-reliance and completeness within oneself, irrespective of external validation or expectations.

Summary

The Gestalt Prayer succinctly encapsulates the essence of Gestalt therapy by promoting self-reliance, present-focused awareness, and an understanding of the self within a broader context. It emphasizes personal autonomy while acknowledging the importance of meaningful connections, all within a framework that sees the individual as a holistic being operating in an interdependent field.