Keep Talking Episode 135: James Hollis - How to Live a Meaningful Life
Dec 27, 2024
In this engaging conversation, James Hollis, a distinguished Jungian psychoanalyst and author, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of midlife and the pursuit of meaning. He discusses the transition from academia to psychoanalysis and the courage required for personal growth. Hollis emphasizes the significance of discerning fears worth confronting, as well as the importance of relationships that enhance rather than exhaust us. He also sheds light on why more men are seeking therapy today and how redefining masculinity can lead to a more authentic life.
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Depression Redirected A Career
- James Hollis describes falling into a severe depression at 33 and entering therapy at 35 which redirected his life.
- That process led him to train in Zurich and shift from academia to analytic practice over years.
Psychotherapy Means Attending To The Soul
- Psychotherapy literally means attending to the soul and thus demands depth beyond behavior or biology.
- The central questions are meaning: what is your life about and what blocks it?
Choose Paths That Enlarge You
- Ask which path enlarges you and which path diminishes you when facing major choices.
- Keep asking until the answer surfaces in dreams or in distracted moments driving down the highway.
