This is an extract from Carl Jung.
In his essay "The Transcendent Function," Carl Jung explores the complex relationship between the conscious and unconscious minds, which often hold conflicting contents and tendencies. He argues that the unconscious behaves in a compensatory manner towards the conscious to create psychic balance and that bringing the unconscious contents into dialogue with the conscious mind is critical for psychological health and development. Suppressing the unconscious, on the other hand, leads to neurosis.
Jung points out that dreams are the most readily accessible expression of the unconscious, but some people can also access it through spontaneous fantasies, visions, automatic writing, or creative activities like drawing and painting.
He introduces the concept of the "transcendent function," which is the process of consciously engaging with the unconscious material, shaping it, and understanding it. This process facilitates a transition from one psychological attitude to another. According to Jung, there are two main approaches to working with unconscious content: creative formulation (giving them aesthetic shape) and understanding the meaning. Ideally, both should occur.
He also emphasizes that in relation to the unconscious, the ego's position must be maintained as equally valid to the unconscious contents and that the confrontation must be thorough, with both sides taken seriously. The transcendent function manifests as the living "third thing" that emerges from the tension of opposites - consciousness and the unconscious. It leads to a new level of being and psychological wholeness.
Engaging the transcendent function empowers the individual to attain liberation through their own efforts rather than depending on the analyst, and provides the courage to be oneself. These are just some of the core ideas from Carl Jung's essay "The Transcendent Function," which you will soon listen to. Now, I invite you to leap into the unconscious ocean and let the words of Jung himself guide and embrace you. I recommend going to a quiet and comfortable place and allowing yourself to relax and open your mind.
🎵 Music: 'Forgotten Deity' by @temple_of_serenity
