The Art of Reflection

May 6, 2021

Delve into the essential role of reflection as a cornerstone of human existence. Discover Jung's insights on how reflection enhances both psychological freedom and spiritual growth. Explore the impact of modern distractions on our ability to reflect and connect deeply with ourselves. Learn the importance of conscious reflection to address both personal and collective needs in today’s chaotic world. This enlightening conversation emphasizes the privilege of reflection in navigating our abstract lives.

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The Essential Role of Reflection in Human Existence

00:00 • 20min

The Crucial Role of Reflection in a Disruptive World

20:02 • 5min

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In this episode:
We explore Jung's thoughts about the capacity for reflection and why he sees it as an essential component of our humanity.

Sources for quotes and more:

"'Reflection' should be understood not simply as an act of thought, but rather as an attitude. It is a privilege born of human freedom in contradistinction to the compulsion of natural law...." ~ C.G. Jung from A Psychological Approach to the Dogma of the Trinity (footnote, par. 235) in 'Collected Works, vol. 11.'
"It cannot be denied that our current age is a distracted one." ~ 'Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.'
Episode 27: Working With Your Dreams
Discussion of bios and zoê in The Experience of God: Icons of the Mystery by Raimon Panikkar.
Discussion of events and experiences in Healing Fiction by James Hillman.
The Psychology of the Transference by C.G. Jung, 'Collected Works, vol. 16.' *
"[It is] indeed wonderful to see how human beings, besides their life in the concrete, always live a second life in the abstract...." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer in 'The World as Will and Representation.' *
'Concerning the Inner Life.' by Evelyn Underhill
Adaptation, Individuation, Collectivity by C.G. Jung in 'Collected Works, vol. 18.' *
'Memories, Dreams, Reflections.' by C.G. Jung
'The Rhythm of Being.' by Raimon Panikkar*

*Some quotes have been adapted to reflect gender neutral language. There has been no change made to the essential meaning of those quotes.

Music:
"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," and "The Return" by Ketsa are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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For more on living a symbolic life:
Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.