Jungian analyst Dr. Murray Stein explores the concepts of shadow and ego in relation to BTS' comeback trailer, discussing their presence in politics, war, sports, and movies. The podcast analyzes the intensity of the shadow portrayed in the video and speculates on the upcoming album. It also emphasizes the importance of a strong ego in confronting the shadow and reflects on the significance of the 'I' in personal growth.
The shadow represents the hidden part of ourselves that we hide from others and even from ourselves, containing aspects of ourselves that we aren't proud of, such as evil or the seven deadly sins, and recognizing and exploring the shadow is important for personal growth and self-awareness.
The shadow is not just personal but also collective, manifesting in politics and conflicts between nations, where nations often project their shadow onto the enemy, blaming them for all the evil, and recognizing its presence can help us understand the dynamics of larger social and political conflicts.
Deep dives
Jung's concept of the shadow and its relation to the persona and ego
The shadow represents the hidden part of ourselves that we hide from others and even from ourselves. It contains aspects of ourselves that we aren't proud of, such as evil or the seven deadly sins. Becoming aware of the shadow is a difficult moral problem as we have to face ourselves and confront the darker aspects of our nature.
Levels of the shadow and ways to explore it
There are levels of the shadow that can be discovered through reflection and introspection. However, some parts of the shadow are deeply repressed and can be difficult to see. We may also project the shadow onto others, particularly those we dislike or the qualities we despise. Dreams can also provide clues to the presence of the shadow. Recognizing and exploring the shadow is important for personal growth and self-awareness.
The collective aspect of the shadow
The shadow is not just personal but also collective, manifesting in politics and conflicts between nations. When nations engage in warfare, they often project their shadow onto the enemy, blaming them for all the evil. The shadow is a part of the collective world and recognizing its presence can help us understand the dynamics of larger social and political conflicts.
Integrating the shadow and preventing its possession
Integrating the shadow involves recognizing its presence and engaging in a dialogue with it. This can be done through reflection, introspection, and seeking feedback from others. By developing awareness of our shadow and bringing it into relationship with our conscious ego, we can avoid being possessed by it. This awareness helps prevent the splitting of the world into opposites and allows for the integration of shadow energies into a more balanced and dynamic personality.
The author of Jung’s Map of the Soul, Jungian analyst Dr. Murray Stein in Zürich, Switzerland, joins us for a brief interlude about the comeback trailer for the upcoming BTS album, Map of the Soul 7, titled “Interlude: Shadow.” He looks at Jung’s concepts of the shadow and the ego and how they relate to the persona, and discusses the shadow in politics, war, sports and movies.
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