Tag Archives: carl jung

The Irony of Man

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The Irony of Man is not a new problem, but a repeating cyclical behavior passed down from generation to generation. Aristophanes referred to this as eiron, Greek word for Irony, and applied its usage to any shady or annoying characters. The Irony in itself was that Aristophanes himself was a ‘jokester’ and often annoyed others within his time. Classic case of projecting shadows onto another.
Carl Jung proved the shadow effect to be that of projection of oneself onto another: In some cases we see positive in another, wishing we could be more like them; In others we see negative aspects of ourselves we do not care for, commenting on them as “Ironic” or as Aristophanes called annoying. The first example is self-explanatory as we want to be more like that which we desire to become, thereby causing a natural gravitational pull towards positive people in our lives. The second is not so apparent.
Our thoughts and attitudes need persistent training
in a world so intent on convincing us that we are who we are not
and that we are not who, in fact, we are.
~Debbie Ford
While projecting Shadows, we not only display judgment through bitterness but also express malicious verbal accusations of another. Failing to realize we are merely looking into the mirror with our own reflection projecting onto others, we find disgust with not just them but subconsciously ourselves. Those who remain in their own shadows either stay in darkness or turn towards the light.
We can chase our shadows of doubt
or we can turn our attention towards the source of Light,
leaving our shadows behind us for ever.
~Joseph
Our shadows have ability to shine brightly, as the source of Light, through which awareness and mindfulness is achieved. Remain in the shadows and that is where we remain. Turning attention towards source energy, we receive lessons of acceptance for all (you, me, he, she, we, they). Acceptance for all ironies of life, finding humor in the ironic behavior of man.
Isn’t it ironic that we pay for gym memberships when we could easily walk outside, getting more fresh air, vitamin D and an over-whelming feeling of well-being? We pay for ‘Coaches’ to tell us how to live, when we need only sit and ponder our lives. We want to get healthier but are unwilling to make changes in diets or lifestyles, instead paying someone to keep us on track. We have known health issues, but fail to change our ways…further paying someone to aid us with our health…usually in the form of a convenient pill. Our lives are filled with ironies.
Is it a case of laziness or subscribing in a belief of doing something every moment, forgetting to reconnect with the Canvas of Life. The Canvas of Life has no rules, but has consequences. We can choose to take our time while painting our canvas or we can rush through it, splattering paint everywhere with little care in how it falls. One can yield a peaceful, tranquil moment while embracing the Canvas and the other yields chaos, angst often misery. Misery brought on by deadlines and timelines…always living for the clock… missing the beauty provided by the Canvas.
While our moments may not always be what we expect them to be, it can be enjoyable no matter what. The Irony of Man does not have to complete the cycle anymore. We can actually break the cycle of Irony and begin a new cycle. A cycle that includes awareness, forgiveness, gratitude and Love. Wait no longer…change our worldly view. Turn from the shadows of darkness and turn towards the light.
If all we have in our hearts is Love,
there can be room for nothing else.
~Joseph
While the Pilgrim subscribes to the Irony of Man allowing the cycle to continue in his lineage, the Warrior (Ani Po) subscribes to a new irony…one of serendipity. On a personal level it can change with a single thought. On a global level, same thought. We find in ourselves, and in others, that not one human being is perfect. In this recognition we find perfection in all the imperfections.
Stepping into the Canvas serendipitously. With every step, every thought…may it be aligned with the seven generations. With our ability to alter the cycles, we align our thoughts with that of source energy. Focusing on our shadow, we remain in darkness: focusing on Light, we Shine On into another day. Shine On!

Accepting Your Path

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We all come to a point in our lives, where we reflect on where we have gone and what we’ve contributed in life. It is the transition everyone must go through, taking us from the morning of our lives…to the afternoon of our lives. Carl Jung often referred to this as the shift into the afternoon of our lives. Those who transition find happiness and live happily ever after, but those who do not…go on miserably.

The mid-life crisis is the label for when this occurs. A time when we must change the way we see things in life, letting go of our past experiences and what we have already learned. In letting go, we lighten the load as we embark on a new beginning of our lives. Again…those who make the shift, find happiness. Those who do not let go of the past, will continue a “living death.” A living death is where we take up space, breathing in air, while slowly decaying away.

As long as we are green we are growing.

Yellow, we are a dying fellow.

Brown…we are down.

~Cal (at 5 years of age)

Shifting into the afternoon of our lives we instinctively look to fulfill a purpose. A purpose that many struggle to find. Sages, gurus, yogis and other enlightened beings often say we must “go within” to find our purpose. The formula for finding our purpose is so simple that many will shun the idea. Is there something that you have always dreamed of doing in your lifetime? Is there an idea that you wanted to explore since you were a child? Chances are this is the answer you are looking for.

The dilemma comes with conditioning. We have been conditioned to think we need to make more money, need to have a “real job,” or have a respected place in society. We can do this, but will we be authentically happy? Do you want money or happiness? I am not suggesting you cannot have money to be happy…it is possible to have it all. I am suggesting to gauge your life on your happiness and let the money come second. Chances are if you love what you do, you will profit by your success.

If, while making the shift, you are not happy, then it is time for a change. Change towards happiness is always a good idea…make it now. Taking this leap may require a bit of labor and maybe even a bit of faith. Do you know of someone who has made a significant change in life, while going against the grain to what everyone else suggested he do? These are the Warriors who decide once and for all, it is time to be happy. Everything on the line, they take the leap.

Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call Heart power. Once a man has made the commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.

~Vince Lombardi

Pondering the thought of standing firmly in Her beliefs, Ani Po reflects on the changes that she has made in Her life. From pilgrim to Warrior, with a single thought…Her life changes for ever. Realizing that She has stepped onto the path of Warrior, She knows She can never go back to the way it was.

With further reflection, She recalls a friend who is currently transitioning to the afterlife. Now in hospice care the family says, “He has suddenly become ill.” Ani Po knows differently and has known that he has been dying for some time. While we are all dying, this gentleman gave up on living about ten years ago and followed a path of darkness. Ani Po, for years, tried to get him to see Light but no success.

Ani Po: “Why are you always so negative? Can’t you find positive in any given situation?”

Friend: “No. I  see things as they are and it isn’t always pretty.”

Ani Po: “If you cannot find good in any given situation, then you are already dead. Sadly, we think that things are horrible and that is the only reality we’ve ever known. Have you ever read The Death of Ivan Illych?”

“No Ani Po.”

“I would highly recommend it.”

What if my whole life was wrong?

~Ivan Illych

While Ani Po is saddened by Her friends health options, She respects Her friends decision to die, knowing that maybe this is how her friend chose to live her life…alone till the bitter end.  The truth is that our world is a mirror image of how we see ourselves.If we are inspired and feel alive, then we go on living as such. If we feel the world has fallen around us, then we slowly decay until we reach death. We all have a choice to believe in negativity or positivity. One promises growth, the other death. While death is eminent, we do not have to leave this place in misery.

Step into the Canvas with indomitable spirit. The only person who can conquer you is yourself. When someone brings negativity towards you, turn up the positivity. Step with confidence today knowing that your afternoon has arrived and it is about to get a lot Brighter. You are a Warrior and you are no longer afraid…