Show Notes
The interview begins @ 6:24
In this enlightening conversation with Dr. James Hollis, renowned Jungian analyst, we dive deep into the psychic underpinnings of our religious traditions and explore the profound concept of the soul. Using Jung's understanding of God as a starting point, we traverse the labyrinth of depth psychology, examining not religious theology but the spiritual essence embedded within our psyche. Dr. Hollis challenges preconceived notions of Western healing approaches, underscoring the importance of addressing long-term developmental tasks contributing to our life's suffering and our existential quest for meaning. We probe into the power of choice, its pivotal role in harmonizing our inner and outer worlds, and the necessity of viewing our lives through a transpersonal lens. In a contemplative reflection on his own life and the influence of Jungian theory, Dr. Hollis encourages us all to engage in a deeper dialogue with our lives, acknowledging the humbling realization that we aren't truly in control. Our discussion pivots to the human propensity for constructing theology, culture, and structures as conduits to the mystery of existence, bearing the psychological imprints of their originators. We navigate the intricate dynamics of resistance within the relationship between ego and the unconscious, emphasizing our responsibility for the choices we make. The existential query is central to our exploration: "What stirs your spirit to evolve and redefine your life?" We touch upon cultural sickness, institutional failure, and the potential for growth within tradition, culminating in a discourse on gender fluidity, the impact of consumerism, and the essence of a truly healing analysis.
This exploration offers listeners the tools to navigate towards their own 'true north', fostering a stronger connection with their intuitive inner life. Join us as we transcend the diversions of popular culture, and dive into the depths of our collective psyche.
Bio: James Hollis, Ph. D., was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Manchester University in 1962 and Drew University in 1967. He taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years and now was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on the JSW Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, and is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation. Additionally, he is a Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston. He lives with his wife Jill, an artist and retired therapist, in Washington, DC. Together they have three living children and eight grand-children. He has written a total of eighteen books, which have been translated into Swedish, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Farsi, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Serbian, Latvian, Ukranian and Czech.
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