The Many Parts of Us: What the Moon, a Disco Ball, and Internal Family Systems Reveal

We are made up of many parts—different emotions, experiences, strengths, and wounds—all coexisting within us. Some shine in the moment, while others remain hidden, waiting for their turn. This is the essence of Internal Family Systems (IFS), the idea that we are not just one self but a collection of selves, each with its own role, voice, and value. Like the phases of the moon or the shifting reflections of a disco ball, these parts emerge at different times, but none define us entirely.

The moon and a disco ball share a secret: neither creates its own light, yet both illuminate

the darkness. Their magic lies in reflection. A disco ball’s tiny mirrors catch and scatter light in unexpected directions—just as different parts of ourselves step forward when the right light shines upon them. Some pieces of us take center stage, while others linger in shadow. But every part has purpose.

Like the moon cycles through its phases, we, too, shift and change. Sometimes, we feel fully illuminated, whole, and seen. Other times, we are like the crescent moon—only a sliver of ourselves visible to the world, while the rest remains unseen. Yet even in the darkest new moon phase, the moon is still there, just as every part of us remains valuable, even when hidden.

For a long time, I thought certain parts of me needed to be “fixed” or hidden—the parts that felt too sensitive, too uncertain, too messy. But the more I’ve learned about myself, the more I realize that every part of me has a reason for being here. My doubts give me depth, my struggles have made me resilient, and my imperfections allow me to grow. Growth isn’t about erasing the shadows but learning to work with them, embracing the balance between light and dark.

This is what inspires my work. Through Aloha Athena, I create art that honors the many facets of a person’s spirit—capturing not just their light, but the complexity of their story. No single piece tells the full story, but together, they create something luminous. I believe in the power of reflection—not just in the mirror, but in how we see ourselves and each other.

We, too, reflect what we receive. When we absorb love, kindness, and wisdom, we have the power to scatter that light into the world, touching others in ways we may never see. Even the smallest spark of self-compassion can ripple outward.

I created this image of a moon-disco ball as a symbol of hope—a reminder that we are not defined by one moment or one part of ourselves. Some mirrors shine now, others wait in shadow, but all have the potential to reflect light. Every phase of the moon holds beauty. Every part of a disco ball contributes to its brilliance. And every part of us has something to offer.

Internal Family Systems teaches us that we are not just one self but a collection of selves—each with a voice, a purpose, and a need to be understood. Some parts protect us, some carry wounds, and others help us shine. When we embrace them all with curiosity and compassion, we step into our wholeness.

What light are you reflecting today? What parts of yourself need to be seen?

#BeTheLight #InternalFamilySystems #AlohaAthena