UNLEASHING THE POWER WITHIN:

EMBRACING THE UNCONSCIOUS

As the gnostic Gospel of Thomas observes, if we bring forth what is within us, what we bring forth will serve us, and if we do not bring forth what is within us, what we do not bring forth will destroy us.

Hollis, James, Ph.D.. Living Between Worlds: Finding Personal Resilience in Changing Times (p. 90). 

The confrontation of that which rests in our unconscious brings forth deep discomfort and fascination simultaneously. Our souls long to grow and expand in an unfolding pattern towards wholeness. The purpose of this patterned expansion is to find our own unique way to allow life to express itself through each. 

To bring as much resources to this life journey the unconscious holds a deep reservoir of possibilities, the sustenance and knowledge that connects us to the mystery of our inner lives. But this brings knowledge that can develop us away from what we find comfortable and provides a sense of security. It challenges us to confront the possibilities of who we are and may become, even if unpalatable. However, the journey inward is the preferred choice if you wish to have a meaningful life. The journey of avoidance and repression of unconscious material is a denial of our inner god, our inner wisdom, and our inner potential. To deny our inner world is a risk. What is unconscious will seek expression, and if it is not expressed in constructive and conscious ways it will become destructive. 

We are required to tend the garden of the unconscious to bring forth its treasures, to integrate its sap through working with our unconscious messages and material, lime dreams and artwork, as example. 

We are at the mercy of the unconscious. When we face the fear of the unknown and learn to open up and create meaning with the unconscious, we become what we are meant to become according to the deep rhythm and pulse of our inner pattern. 

Written by Konrad van Staden - Clinical Psychologist and Jungian Analyst