Episode 204 – Filipino Psychology and Spirituality with Carl Lorenz Cervantes

This Filipino American Life

How do Filipinos practice indigenous spirituality through Catholicism? Who are these “spirits” our parents or grandparents keep talking about that are around us? What explains the Filipino psyche and the way we make sense of the world? How many souls do we have? Some of these questions have helped many Filipinos and Filipino Americans in their quest for a cultural identity and spirituality. In this TFAL episode, Joe speaks to the brilliant Carl Lorenz Cervantes of Sikodiwa about countering the dominance of individualist/Western philosophical thought through understanding how Filipinos think and what we value.

We dive into folk psychology and indigenous spirituality in Philippine culture and how they explain and shape the Filipino worldview throughout the episode. Listen as we discuss the foundations of Sikolohiyang Pilipino, how Filipinos have localized Spanish Catholicism to preserve indigenous spiritual practices, and how many Filipinos throughout the diaspora can continue to embody kapwa, or shared self, to ensure well-being for themselves and others. We only hit the tip of the iceberg, but I hope this sparks further research for listeners in their journeys into Filipino identity.

Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.

What is your experience with Filipino psychology and/or spirituality? Leave us a voicemail (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [e-mail].