Last week’s visit from Elaine Mansfield was fun and productive. We talked, walked, ate, laughed, and wrote a proposal for a workshop on loss and grief. And an especially wonderful thing happened. I, the Lone Ranger of writing who has always written and revised every word of every manuscript with no help from anyone until entrusting it to an editor, experienced a significant breakthrough.
As usual, I had no idea at first what this dream could mean, but when I started reflecting on my associations to the symbols I soon realized it was about my speech.
I’m so grateful that 26 years of dreamwork have taught me to trust my inner resources, especially the Self, to help me through life. And I’m so grateful for a husband and friends who want to help. Despite my unduly proud and independent spirit, I never really was alone, was I?Last night I had a dream. I feel the need to share it with you today because it illustrates the main point I’ve been trying
The title of this post is inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise. Deborah, a dear friend and poetess from England, sent it to
The obvious analogy, in the psychic sphere, to this problem of opposites is the dissociation of the personality brought about by the conflict of incompatible
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Having read that, it looks to me like you’ve written a good part of your keynote right here!
Well, this would certainly be another example of the value of exploring the depths with dreamwork, but I have a few thousand of these stories, so I’ve already selected some of the most powerful and instructive ones from my book, Dream Theatres of the Soul http://www.amazon.com/Jean-Benedict-Raffa/e/B005K8MFNM! Thanks, Skip.
What a time we had. A meeting of heart and mind. Today I wrote about using Active Imagination to get myself through the insecurities of traveling in yet another storm and I linked to your blog on Active Imagination. https://jeanraffa.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/active-imagination-a-tool-for-self-discovery/
Our two days were full of stimulating ideas and a nearly completed workshop proposal. It was all about partnership. The Lone Ranger always had Tonto. It felt natural to continue with your upcoming IASD keynote. I was curious and captivated as I had just spent months creating a TEDx talk and got so much from the feedback and suggestions of friends. It was a pleasure hearing the very first draft ideas of your talk and knowing you were in a library of possibilities. The dream seems like a beautiful promise. Of course, I never had a doubt. I’m also grateful to Fred for his kindness.
Hi Ho, Silver!
It truly was about partnership, Elaine. It was fun and inspiring to work with you. The back and forth thoughts, ideas and feedback were powerful stimulants for my imagination and speeded up the proposal-writing process immeasurably! And your honest and relevant feedback on my talk was of immeasurable value.
I read and loved your post this morning. Thank you for the mention of my post on active imagination. It may be time to repost that one—it was written 3 years ago and I imagine many of my newer readers haven’t seen it yet. We’ll see. Something else may crop up before then. Who WAS that masked man?
Lovely, Jeannie. “Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!”
Thanks, Beth! Yeah, love that Silver!!!
I enjoyed how you walked us through your dream, and so happy for you regarding your “bold new approach.” I can’t agree more that we aren’t truly “alone” … whether the Other is a person or an animal or a plant or even a living landscape!
Thank you to Elaine for sharing that link; not only was the post great but so were all the comments! In response to one of the comments, you said: “we all have our own unique places where the membrane is thinner” — so true. While I don’t follow Jungian AI, per se, I recognize the concept within the many forms of writing I play with, from fiction to contemplative, and the portals always allow something unexpected to emerge that furthers my inner growth. 😉
So glad you enjoyed this, Darla. “I can’t agree more that we aren’t truly “alone” … whether the Other is a person or an animal or a plant or even a living landscape!” Yes, and I have to add, “or an inner entity that sends you valuable and totally relevant messages in your dreams!”
As to Jungian Active Imagination, I think all the writing you mention has something in common with it: The conscious choice to imaginatively use and explore meaningful symbols. The left brain finds it difficult to understand this, but symbols are our doorway/portal into the unconscious, and any practice that uses them always leads to growth! Thanks for writing. I always enjoy your observations.
Thanks so much for this Jean and sharing your dream and special time with Elaine Mansfield. I also much enjoy your comments above- and in other posts -always broadening widening encompassing ..
You’re welcome, Susan. I know; I love the comments too. There are so many wise, wonderful people in this neck of the internet!!
Thank you, Susan. So nice to make contact with you and your work.
Likewise Elaine, thank you!
Jean, I’m working with a client in the Orlando area who is in need of a female Jungian psychotherapist. Do you know someone you can recommend who has experience working with: child sexual abuse survivors embodiment boundaries Blessings, Melody LeBaron 407-716-6874 http://www.transformingspace.com ~ inner and outer spaces supporting your best life
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Hi Melody. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t know of anyone like this in my area. I wish I could help you out! Blessings on your important work, my sister.