
[A greater unity always tries to emerge in everything we experience, even neurosis. The widening of consciousness is at first upheaval and darkness, then a broadening out to wholeness — Carl Jung.]
Carl Jung believed that the process of individuation, or the journey towards self-realization and wholeness, is the human psyche’s natural and innate tendency. He also believed this process involves integrating the self’s conscious and unconscious aspects.
In the context of neurosis, Jung saw it as a symptom of a lack of wholeness or unity within the psyche. He believed neurosis results from the unconscious attempting to compensate for the conscious neglect of certain aspects of the self. Therefore, he saw neurosis as an opportunity for the psyche to achieve greater wholeness and integration.
Jung believed that the widening of consciousness is a process that involves facing and integrating one’s shadow, or the repressed and unconscious aspects of the self. This process can be challenging and involve upheaval and darkness, which may require confronting difficult emotions and experiences. However, as one moves through this process, one can experience a broadening out to wholeness as one integrates these previously neglected aspects of the self.
In summary, Jung believed that greater unity always tries to emerge in everything we experience, including neurosis. The individuation process involves integrating both conscious and unconscious aspects of the self. The widening of consciousness can involve upheaval and darkness but ultimately lead to a broadening out to wholeness.
DR. Rony Kusnadi, Ph.D., LCPC
Notable Life Counseling Services LLC