These are often veiled wish-fulfillments and diversions and are easily exploited by commercial interests which are deeply opposed to psychological development. For those who suffer conflicts of the soul, adhering to societal demands may be the greatest obstacle to their search.<\/p>\n
Despite its scientific facade, mainstream psychology is founded on statistical norms, even as Jung showed the individual’s relation to his\/her unconscious nature to be the primary source of conflict. Science proceeds from the collective physical realm, and though the psyche is far more complex and individualized, many psychologies remain fixed on a generic medical model.<\/p>\n
The statistical\u00a0measure of averages is superficial by definition, and the collective standard is often little more than philosophy disguised as science: an inadequate application of fixed method to the diversity and complexity of the psyche.\u00a0To hold the individual to cultural ideals is to repress the meaning and purpose of our inmost beings. It sounds strangely philosophical to the science of today. It is.<\/p>\n
Subjective experience lies outside the bounds of statistical valuation or material causation. Beyond the surface appearance lies a depth and purpose which can’t be measured logically. The nature of the unconscious psyche is not accessible through norms, averages, and rational thought.<\/p>\n
The opposition between a subjective mind, born into a particular time, and an inherited mental structure forged by eons of development, reflects the interplay of two relative psychic systems. Only the tension between them produces\u00a0the energy for consciousness. This creative process can be meaningfully explored only through the most personal and intimate reactions of one to the other. To subject individual characteristics to general standards is the antithesis of personal development.<\/p>\n
Jung has demonstrated its religious and philosophical character. To begin an exchange on this level is to enter into psychic history. His comparative studies have shown this inner exchange to be of the highest value in the evolution of culture. If psychology doesn’t acknowledge this, it remains an isolated function of intellect.<\/p>\n
For those driven to search beyond the superficiality of statistics, to seek personal growth and engage the conflicts of the soul, a collective ideal only contributes further to their problems. It emphasizes an anonymous, impersonal standard that negates the individual values upon which culture depends for balanced direction.<\/p>\n
The individual, alone, holds the values which inform our relation to a greater whole. These have a spiritual character: the unknown which has always been conceived as divine, though we may have different ideas about them today.<\/p>\n
Due to changes in consciousness, the advance toward subjective differentiation is increasing exponentially; what was true fifty years ago may not apply today. The prevalence of psychic problems and the proliferation of methods to treat them suggest the need for a more relative approach than presently assumed by most psychologies.<\/p>\n
Spiritual needs are beyond the purview of science; it doesn’t have the concepts to relate to them. Yet, religious feelings remain the most profound expressions of our beings. The old values are so far removed from modern thought, they no longer resonate in the soul but to a declining few — and even these are changing form. No sensible religious framework exists which can incorporate the scientific attitude of today. It must be re-created by the individual.<\/p>\n
Jung’s method of investigating religious images was empirical, though not the sort natural science is accustomed to. A comparative, analogical view is required for the psyche to observe itself, as he maintained. Their depth requires an indirect, symbolic approach which is relative to each and not grounded in logic, cause and effect, and collective ideal.<\/p>\n
Jung’s work is the focus of this site; it will reflect my interpretation of his psychology in some form. To the extent our perception of the psyche is restricted to rational and materialistic interpretation, a genuine sense of individuality will remain inferior to the weight of collective thinking.<\/p>\n
If conflicts of the soul are interpreted only objectively (collectively), we will never penetrate below symptoms and attempts to modify or control them. Often, the more objectively and rationally they’re interpreted, the more violence is done to the individual; the more he \/she is alienated from his\/her nature.<\/p>\n
This website is dedicated to the value of \u00a0Jung’s discoveries in understanding the human soul, and my book is a poetic account of coming to terms with it through the benefit of his work.<\/p>\n
Learn more\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n A Mid-Life Perspective: Conversations With The Unconscious<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The purpose of this site is the exploration of the unconscious psyche. If you have emotional resistances to such ideas, you should visit the more popular, glitzy sites intended to attract you through their commercial appeal. You won’t find that … Continue reading ![\"A](\"https:\/\/outlawpsych.com\/outlawpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/THUMBNAIL_IMAGE1.jpg\")
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