Soul Sessions | Jungian Coaching Podcast by CreativeMind

Happiness, Meaning & Self-Discovery - An Interview with James Hollis, PhD.

Mar 18, 2025

James Hollis, PhD, a distinguished Jungian analyst and author, dives deep into the essence of happiness and meaning in the human experience. He reveals how the pursuit of fleeting happiness often distracts from the deeper quest for significance. Hollis sheds light on the impact of childhood narratives on personal worth and the importance of reconnecting with one’s inner child. He advocates for embracing imperfections and navigating life's complexities with self-compassion, while also examining the allure and risks of modern self-exploration methods.

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INSIGHT

Examined Life Fuels Meaning

Living an examined life gives your life a sharper edge and lasting meaning beyond fleeting happiness.
The important shift is asking what the soul wants from you rather than what the world wants from you.

ANECDOTE

Health Crisis Sparked The Book

James Hollis wrote this book partly after serious health crises including cancer and major spinal surgeries.
Facing mortality sharpened his sense of urgency and gratitude and informed the book's themes.

INSIGHT

Happiness Is Not The Endgame

Happiness is contextual and short-lived, not a lifelong goal to chase as a commodity.
Meaningful engagement with suffering and purpose produces deeper fulfillment than constant happiness-seeking.

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In this episode of "Soul Sessions with CreativeMind," hosts Debra and Robert Maldonado welcome esteemed Jungian analyst, Dr. James Hollis. Dr. Hollis, a seasoned author and retired senior training analyst, discusses his latest book, "Living on Borrowed Dust." This dynamic conversation explores the crucial themes of happiness, meaning, and self-discovery.

Dr. Hollis shares profound insights from his new book, emphasizing the importance of living an examined life and understanding the deep questions that shape our existence. Through this engaging dialogue, explore the essence of meaning over fleeting happiness and the critical process of individuation. Whether you're well-versed in Jungian theory or new to personal growth, this episode offers valuable wisdom on navigating life's complexities with depth and purpose. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion about personal growth, psychological resilience, and the journey towards a meaningful life. Listen now and gain a fresh perspective on embracing life's challenges with curiosity and grace.

James Hollis, PhD, is a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, DC. He taught humanities for 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zürich, Switzerland. He served as executive director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas, for many years. He was executive director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on its 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.

You can get his new book, Living From Borrowed Dust by using this link:

https://www.soundstrue.com/products/living-with-borrowed-dust?srsltid=AfmBOorwgXDK7Dm5kcPa7BtfsdnEII909Ico_e2a-SDLTG3kpoM5Ziq6

01:11 Introduction to Dr. Hollis's new book "Living on Borrowed Dust"
06:00 The pursuit of happiness versus finding meaning
10:28 Concept of meta stories and the unconscious
12:20 Relationship between childhood experiences and adult life
19:54 The role of the unconscious in our lives
27:00 Facing fears and resistance
42:00 Surviving and thriving through challenges
49:30 Concluding thoughts on the search for answers and personal growth
52:23 Discussion on psychedelics and AI in contemporary culture
53:14 Thoughts on AI applications in dream interpretation

QUOTES:
"I think happiness occurs when we are in the right relationship with our own souls." James Hollis, PhD.

“One of the things I've found in almost everybody is a meta story of lacking permission to be themselves." - James Hollis, PhD.

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