Lorwen C Nagle, PhD

Carl Jung was called the greatest psychologist in history. He famously called the dark side of our personality the "shadow." The shadow holds forgotten and repressed memories that lock our hidden strengths…

Jung said much of the shadow is connected to the collective unconscious. The collective unconscious is made up of "archetypes"—universal patterns of behavior we all share. Common archetypes are ↓

These archetypes appear in our dreams, cultural myths, and art. They guide us through life's challenges. But we are unaware of their presence, and they lurk in the shadows.

Jung believed archetypes function powerfully in our lives, are our true nature, and appear as "psychic organs" we inherit. But in modern life, we're distracted from them by technology. We are alienated from our true nature. The result? A "poverty of the soul."

To tap into your archetypal wisdom, Jung said to pay attention to symbols in • Dreams • Religious icons • Myths and fairy tales By studying symbols, we understand the language of the unconscious. Let's explore each:

Dreams The "royal road" to the unconscious, said Jung. Jung spent 2 hours each morning analyzing his dreams. 1. He recorded them in a journal 2. Noted recurring themes 3. Reflected upon underlying meanings 4. Drew dream images

Rituals Sacred spaces, according to Jung, are where the numinous and unconscious emerge. For example: • Prayer • Ceremony • Meditation help us enter into an unseen order that is harmonious with our supreme good. They lead to numinous experiences.

An intense experience of the numinous can lead to a complete re-thinking of one’s life. In the presence of the numinous, we tap into our greatness.

Myths contain "timeless truths" about the human condition, said Jung. Example: The hero's journey is an archetypal pattern found in many cultures.

When we repress the unconscious, it turns against us. We become anxious and prone to self-sabotage. The alternative to wholeness is neurosis, said Jung. On a collective level, if the shadow is NOT integrated, mass psychosis can occur.

Want to start your journey of confronting your shadow? Jung's tips: 1. Keep a dream journal 2. Study myths and fairy tales 3. Cultivate a spiritual practice 4. Seek a mentor, psychologist or therapist

In Jung's words: "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." As you integrate the unconscious, you'll tap into your deep well of creativity. It's in all of us, but our anxiety prevents us from experiencing it. Working with a therapist will help you connect with the wisdom of the ages.

In my Anxiety Relief Transformation (ART) package, clients draw their thoughts and feelings on paper. I use creativity and art as integral aspects of exploring one's shadow and bringing it into the light. Some clients have NEVER drawn in their lives! These clients tell me how freeing it is for them. They've uncovered old memories and future hopes that were unexpressed and unseen. By drawing, they re-connect their shadow side. Their lives become deeply soulful and full of purpose. They became, as Jung said, "truly who they are." Why pass up a chance like this?

As a Ph.D. psychology grad from @UTAustin and a Postdoc at @Harvard, I can helped you unlock your mental barriers for greater success. So, if you feel lost, confused, or stressed out with your current life, schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/lorwen_co...

Being able to reframe stress, anxiety, overthinking is deeply important for the modern overworked society. Grab your free reframe toolkit now to unlock your mind: https://lorwenstudios.kit.com/...