In the earliest posts of The Pragmatic Mystic, I defined four terms that I said were essential to my understanding of the inner life (and to my practice of spiritual direction). These were: mysticism, pragmatism, perennialism, and individuation (if you haven’t read those posts, I urge you to go back and give them a look). The last of these four terms — “individuation” — was, you may recall, taken directly from Carl Jung, whose psychological (and, dare I say, metaphysical and philosophical) insights I regard to be invaluable. Too often misunderstood and misrepresented (and, in fact, somewhat feared by those who find his theories too unsettling as regards certain modern dogmas), Jung’s vast body of research is currently being rediscovered, recovered, and reevaluated afresh, not only by psychologists but also by scientists and especially investigators of the nature of consciousness. For those engaged in teaching “inner work,” his influence has long been held in high esteem.
Thank you! Incidentally, I found the book you recommended me for a very good price (Jung and the Christian Way), but I've been sidetracked by a book recommended by your brother over on his newsletter - it's second or third on the reading list, though!
Thank you! Incidentally, I found the book you recommended me for a very good price (Jung and the Christian Way), but I've been sidetracked by a book recommended by your brother over on his newsletter - it's second or third on the reading list, though!