One of Jung’s most notable ideas is the shadow – those inferior aspects of ourselves that we are not proud of. Shadow material involves unknown aspects of the self which make our egos uncomfortable, defensive and at times embarrassed. If our persona is the face or mask that we show others, then the shadow represents […]
Taking Responsibility
When we face uncomfortable situations we may find ourselves exclaiming, “She made me feel …,” or “He did it to me again!” We may even believe that if the person only changed then everything would be okay. In these cases, we are not taking responsibility for our part in the situation. According to Jung, being […]
Our Unlived Lives
For everything we choose, some other thing is unchosen. Sometimes, especially during childhood, decisions are made for us by parents and circumstances (e.g., relocations, deaths). Other decisions (e.g., choice of partner, career) are seemingly made consciously by our adult selves. ‘Seemingly,’ because as children we instinctively adapted to our parents’ states of mind. Either we […]
The Importance of Gratitude
The philosopher Eric Hoffer stated, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” Gratitude is a virtue disposing the mind to an inward sense and an outward acknowledgment of a gift or benefit received. Gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to us and represents a […]
Puer & Puella: Time to grow up
Peter Pan, in J. M. Barrie’s classic 1904 play, shouted, “I’ll never grow up, I’ll never grow up!” He ventured to Never Neverland for adventures with mermaids and Captain Hook. Interesting to note, the play’s full title was “Peter Pan, or, The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.” Archetypically, this image of a boy reluctant […]
The Many Sides of Forgiveness
We are familiar with poet Alexander Pope’s saying, “To err is human; to forgive, divine,” yet there are differing views on the exact role of forgiveness. Forgiveness is achievable; however, it takes time – months and even years. The process of forgiveness comprises six common elements. First, there is an injury or violation with subsequent […]
