Societies are horizontal organizations focused on a specific purpose, while communities have a vertical dimension that creates a sense of something larger.
Understanding our projections can help us navigate and address our emotional needs in a more self-aware manner.
The middle passage is a period of disintegration and introspection where individuals should embrace uncertainty and allow new aspects of themselves to emerge.
Deep dives
The Shift from Society to Community
In this podcast episode, Dr. James Hollis discusses the difference between society and community in the context of work environments. He explains that societies are horizontal organizations focused on a specific purpose, while communities have a vertical dimension that creates a sense of something larger. Hollis highlights the challenges of sustaining a sense of community in work environments that prioritize the bottom line. He also explores the concept of a paternal dynamic in organizations and how it can create a sense of opposition or a positive dependence on authority figures.
Understanding Projection and Expectations
Dr. Hollis delves into the concept of projection and its relevance in work environments. He explains that projections occur when our own psychological needs are triggered and we see the world through the lens of these projections. This can lead to either positive or negative reactions towards organizations and authority figures. Hollis emphasizes that we carry our emotional needs into work environments and that understanding our projections can help us navigate and address these needs in a more self-aware manner.
The Shift from External Authority to Personal Authority
The podcast explores the idea of the second half of life, a period characterized by a shift from external authority to personal authority. Dr. Hollis shares his personal experience of transitioning from a tenured professor to a Jungian analyst and highlights the importance of questioning the goals and scripts that society imposes upon us. He emphasizes the need to uncover our own values, live authentically, and tap into the personal authority that guides us towards a more meaningful life.
Navigating the Middle Passage and Embracing Uncertainty
The middle passage, a period of transition and uncertainty, is discussed in the podcast. Dr. Hollis describes it as a time when our understanding of self and the world no longer serves us, leading to disintegration and the need for deeper introspection. He encourages individuals to embrace this period of unknowing, address their shadows, and allow new aspects of themselves to emerge. He emphasizes the importance of solitude for self-reflection and reconnecting with one's inner compass.
Living in Turbulent Times and Rediscovering Personal Authority
Dr. Hollis reflects on living in turbulent times and the challenges of finding meaning amidst societal shifts and technological advancements. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity, acknowledging the brevity of life, and cultivating personal authority in times of rapid change. Hollis also discusses the role of addressing our shadows and navigating the tension between external expectations and an authentic inner journey.
In this episode it is an enormous treat and honour for me to have as my guest, Dr James Hollis, a Washington D.C. based Jungian psychoanalyst and the author of sixteen books on finding meaning and purpose in life, especially the passage into what C.G. Jung called the "second half of life" that most of us go through somewhere between our late 30s and late 40s. I've drawn upon his work for many years, especially in my leadership coaching.
Dr. Hollis shares his wisdom on our relationship to work, how we move through the middle passage and into the second half of life, and how we find our true meaning and purpose.
