Episode 117: Dr. James Hollis - Living with Borrowed Dust
Mar 8, 2025
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In a captivating discussion, Dr. James Hollis, a renowned Jungian analyst with six decades of impactful experience, dives into themes from his book, 'Living with Borrowed Dust.' He explores confronting one's shadow and taking personal responsibility while sharing poignant reflections on mortality. Hollis emphasizes the importance of dreams in self-discovery and encourages listeners to grapple with life's big questions. His insights challenge societal scripts, advocating for authentic living through personal growth and resilience.
Confronting one's shadow and personal responsibility are vital for authentic living, enabling individuals to discern their own desires from societal influences.
Embracing mortality and the role of dreams can foster deeper self-understanding, encouraging intentional choices aligned with one's true purpose.
Deep dives
The Call to Authentic Living
The essence of living authentically is explored, urging individuals to question the alignment of their choices with their true selves. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing whether life decisions are driven by external influences or genuine inner desires. This inquiry into one's purpose is seen as crucial for personal growth, directing attention toward making intentional choices that resonate with an individual's core values. By addressing these questions, one can strive for a life that feels truly theirs rather than a mere reflection of societal expectations.
Embracing Personal Struggles
The conversation highlights the inevitability of facing personal struggles, particularly mentioning the speaker's own journey through depression and medical challenges. These experiences serve as a catalyst for deeper self-understanding, emphasizing that discomfort and crises can prompt meaningful reflection on one's life path. Recognizing the lessons embedded within challenges can lead to greater consciousness and resilience, igniting a desire to pursue one's authentic calling. Instead of shying away from hardships, embracing them can facilitate personal development and a stronger connection to one's inner self.
Navigating Questions of Mortality
Mortality is portrayed as a compelling force that prompts individuals to prioritize what truly matters in life. The acknowledgment of mortality encourages deeper contemplation about one's choices and life purpose, directing attention to the transient nature of existence. Embracing this perspective fosters an appreciation for living meaningfully, steering clear of trivial pursuits. By reflecting on the shortness of life, one can become more intentional in their actions and decisions, cultivating a fulfilling and authentic experience.
The Importance of Dreams and Inner Wisdom
The significance of dreams as a gateway to understanding one's psyche and inner wisdom is discussed, highlighting how they can offer insight and guidance. Dreams are seen as essential tools in the process of self-discovery, serving as manifestations of unconscious thoughts and feelings that warrant attention. Engaging with dreams can shift the locus of authority within, allowing individuals to honor their innermost truths rather than external pressures. This reconnection with the self sparks meaningful inquiry into one's life choices, ultimately leading to a more authentic and empowered existence.
In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W. Price welcomes renowned Jungian analyst and depth psychologist Dr. James Hollis to discuss his new book, 'Living with Borrowed Dust: Reflections on Life, Love, and Other Grievances.'
The conversation explores significant themes such as confronting one's shadow, taking personal responsibility, and liberating oneself from societal and cultural scripts. Dr. Hollis shares personal experiences, including his own recent encounters with mortality and the importance of lifelong personal growth.
The episode also explores the role of dreams in psychological insight and emphasizes the necessity of asking large existential questions to live a fulfilling life. Listen in and get some profound advice from Dr. Hollis, who has a truly impressive six decades of analytical work and authorship to draw from.
👉Connect to James Hollis
Website https://jameshollis.net/
👉In this episode
(00:00) Welcome and Introduction
(00:07) Exciting Announcement from John
(01:50) Introducing Dr. James Hollis
(03:25) Deep Dive into 'Living with Borrowed Dust'
(04:51) Exploring Life's Big Questions
(07:40) Personal Reflections and Experiences
(17:34) The Gift of Mortality
(26:46) Shut Up, Suit Up, and Show Up
(28:39) Embracing Failure: The Path to Growth
(29:12) Facing Life's Intimidations
(30:56) The Role of Dreams in Self-Discovery
(31:50) The Power of Meaning and Symptomatology
(33:13) Exploring the Depths of Dreams
(34:39) The Autonomy of the Psyche
(39:24) The Wisdom of Historical Figures
(44:26) Modern Culture and the Abyss of the Self
(51:17) The Importance of a Larger Story
(51:55) Reflections on Learning and Teaching
(58:10) Gratitude and Passing It On
WATCH:
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Brought to you by:
https://www.thecenterforhas.com
Theme music provided by:
http://www.modernnationsmusic.com
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