Exploring Spirituality from a Post-Jungian Perspective: Clinical and Personal Reflections

Description

Derived from Ruth Williams’ more than 40-year immersion in spiritual practice, as well as her clinical experience as a Jungian analyst, this thought-provoking volume explores the nature of spiritual paths and trajectories in practical ways, incorporating personal anecdote and ground-breaking academic research and providing a window into how Jungian practitioners work with soul and spirit. Williams explores the nature of being a human using the Yiddish idea of a person being a ‘mensch’, which means being a decent human being, having humanity and living ethically with integrity. The idea of ‘grace’ is the thread that runs through the book―the mystery that binds things together and makes life meaningful, purposeful, potentially joyful and spiritually fulfilling. Williams sees ‘grace’ as being that which underpins and lies behind synchronicity and divinatory practices and as a force by which we can learn to be guided. Rooted in clinical work, Exploring Spirituality from a Post-Jungian Perspective is fascinating reading for Jungian analysts, therapists and academics, as well as for general readers interested in a spiritual journey, both personally and for clinical purposes. Cover Half Title Endorsements Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Figures Acknowledgements List of permissions A note on references Introduction A fable References Part 1: Spiritual perspective Chapter 1: Overview Alchemy References Chapter 2: Spiritual attitude Putting things into perspective References Chapter 3: Gaia/ecology, indigenous perspectives and animals Gaia/ecology Indigenous perspectives Arthur Machen Ecocide Conscious choice Man's connection with animals (and New Physics) Sensitivity References Resources Part 2: Dilemmas Chapter 4: How the heart knows In Chinese culture Heart as metaphor Intuition Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index Love Heart chakra References Chapter 5: What is the goal of life? What is the point? Religious perspectives Goals Cupid and Psyche Clinical vignette References Chapter 6: Ethics and integrity Ethical dilemmas in analysis In personal relationships References Chapter 7: Peace, clarity, joy and kindness. A clear conscience Joy Peace, clarity and kindness Kindness Even when it seems mad ... . Conscience Yom Kippur Honesty References Chapter 8: Suicide and depression Caroline Flack Alistair Campbell Prospective perspective Collective suicidal urges References Part 3: Puzzles Chapter 9: Predestination. Why do things go 'wrong'? Destiny or fate? Will, intention and choice Predestination? Why do things go 'wrong'? Clinical vignette The soul's calling Destiny or fate in myth Destiny or fate? In fiction Reflections References Chapter 10: Mantic practices - Tarot, I Ching, Astrology - and synchronicity Synchronicity Tarot I Ching Astrology References Bibliography On synchronicity On I Ching On astrology Resources Part 4: The ineffable Chapter 11: Soul and spirit in analysis Soul Spirit Chakras Research References Chapter 12: Spiritualism, ghosts and the paranormal Spiritualism Jung's thinking Near-death experience Parapsychology Premonitions Personal encounters A haunting Aboriginal wisdom Psilocybin Metaphorical ghosts in intergenerational transmission of trauma Art References Chapter 13: Grace Parable References Appendix A Appendix B Transcript of online meeting with Dr Terence Palmer on 24 August 2020 References List of useful resources Recommendations for future reading Resources End plate Index