When a society places great emphasis on rationality and practicality, there is little room
left for what C. G. Jung described as “living a symbolic life,” a symbolic life that can express the daily need of the soul. He once remarked that this is something we sorely lack. Although symbol formation is one of the most essential manifestations of the human mind, we pay far too little attention to its capacity to bring insight, healing, and meaning to our everyday life. When, however, we tend to our dreams and fantasies, when we are mindful of life’s synchronicities and strange twists, when we are profoundly touched by a film, a poem, or a piece of art, when we participate in rituals (whether communal or personal), we are already opening the door to such a life. In Jung’s view, living a symbolic life “gives a sense of peace that cannot be taken away from us. It means more than the whole world, because it makes sense.”
Friday evening's presentation begins our exploration of what it might mean to live a symbolic life. We will examine Jung’s thoughts on the subject, as well as illustrations from Jung’s personal life. We will then consider the nature of the symbolic – what constitutes a symbol, how symbols arise, what power they hold, and what purpose they serve. We will engage a few symbolic representations by way of humor, image, ritual, story, and dream. And we mustn’t forget that the symbolic life also has a shadow side. By the end of the presentation, you may discover you’ve already been living a symbolic life and weren’t aware of it.
Saturday's workshop will continue to examine the symbolic life by balancing theoretical reflection, attendee participation, and practical application. We will discuss ideas about the symbolic life, originating with both Jung and others. Since our dreams speak to us using the language of symbols, we will reflect on a number of archetypal symbols taken from ARAS’ The Book of Symbols, as well as unique personal symbols arising from our own imaginations. Participants are invited to bring a symbolic image or object that holds a special meaning for them, and we will learn how to design a “sacred space” to honor such symbols.
left for what C. G. Jung described as “living a symbolic life,” a symbolic life that can express the daily need of the soul. He once remarked that this is something we sorely lack. Although symbol formation is one of the most essential manifestations of the human mind, we pay far too little attention to its capacity to bring insight, healing, and meaning to our everyday life. When, however, we tend to our dreams and fantasies, when we are mindful of life’s synchronicities and strange twists, when we are profoundly touched by a film, a poem, or a piece of art, when we participate in rituals (whether communal or personal), we are already opening the door to such a life. In Jung’s view, living a symbolic life “gives a sense of peace that cannot be taken away from us. It means more than the whole world, because it makes sense.”
Friday evening's presentation begins our exploration of what it might mean to live a symbolic life. We will examine Jung’s thoughts on the subject, as well as illustrations from Jung’s personal life. We will then consider the nature of the symbolic – what constitutes a symbol, how symbols arise, what power they hold, and what purpose they serve. We will engage a few symbolic representations by way of humor, image, ritual, story, and dream. And we mustn’t forget that the symbolic life also has a shadow side. By the end of the presentation, you may discover you’ve already been living a symbolic life and weren’t aware of it.
Saturday's workshop will continue to examine the symbolic life by balancing theoretical reflection, attendee participation, and practical application. We will discuss ideas about the symbolic life, originating with both Jung and others. Since our dreams speak to us using the language of symbols, we will reflect on a number of archetypal symbols taken from ARAS’ The Book of Symbols, as well as unique personal symbols arising from our own imaginations. Participants are invited to bring a symbolic image or object that holds a special meaning for them, and we will learn how to design a “sacred space” to honor such symbols.