Inspiring inner journeys for change in the world...

Finding Wholeness in the Midst of Chaos

“In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” 
                                                                    C.G. Jung (CW 9i, par. 66)

 

Abstract by Jeffrey Kiehl, Ph. D.

We find ourselves living in a world filled with chaos. A world lacking in meaning and deep connection to the Sacred. Our ever-increasing disconnection from Nature has led to intensifying climate catastrophes. Political polarization is appearing around the world, especially here in the United States. Global economic inequality has led to extreme alienation and anger. ‘Othering’ and scapegoating continues to separate peoples everywhere. Psychologically, we are living in a time of collective dissociation, a state of inner and outer fragmentation. From a Jungian perspective, the most egregious form of dissociation is a disconnection between the conscious and unconscious dimensions of psyche. This inner imbalance appears in the outer world in the forms of separation noted above. Inner and outer worlds mirror one another. To find true resolution to the world’s manifold problems requires working on both inner and outer worlds. Jung believed that our journey to wholeness, the pathway of individuation, requires not only engaging with the inner world of psyche, but a full participatory engagement with our outer world. Wholeness can only take place when we open our hearts to both worlds. In this presentation, I explore how a Jungian perspective provides practical means to reconnect with the archetype of wholeness and experience of the sacredness of the everyday world. These practices help us heal our state of separation. We then discuss how to use the manifestation of mandala to create wholeness in the outer world. The ultimate goal of our work together will be to experience the reality of sacredness in ourselves and the surrounding world. In Jung’s words, to find cosmos, or order, amidst chaos, or disorder.

 

Biography:

Jeffrey Kiehl, PhD, is a Diplomate Jungian Analyst and senior training analyst for the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado and the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts. He is the author of Facing Climate Change: An Integrated Path to the Future, which provides a Jungian perspective on climate change. He has also published articles on US Cultural Complexes and Climate Change, The Green Man and Climate Change, The Archetypal Dimensions of Comic Books and The Nature of Uncertainty/The Uncertainty of Nature. Jeffrey’s interests include the relationship between psyche and; matter, alchemy, and consciousness studies. He lives in Santa Cruz, CA.