In this short course, Dariane Pictet reflects on the question ‘Who am I’ and unpacks her reflections with the help of Jungian concepts including the ego, the ego complex, and the Self.
When we recognize where we are over-adapted and become aware of the triggers that awaken the wounded self, we’re in a process of self-discovery. By becoming aware of the stories we tell ourselves, we learn where we might be limiting ourselves. Our habitual stories often attach us inextricably to the past and limit our future possibilities. To let go of what is not real, we need to question our interpretations of reality, no matter how convincing they may seem. We have to understand that these interpretations usually stem from our past experiences.
When we do this, we discover a wider plane of existence in which we are no longer identified with the ego. Once we can meet the unknown in ourselves, we become more spontaneous and more capable of living in the present. This is what Jung called ‘individuation’. When we are devoted to our inner life, the ego acts like a tuning fork putting the Self at the center.
Life, experienced from the perspective and presence of the Self, opens up the possibility of freedom and joy. The feeling generated by expanded consciousness is one of true freedom.
Course Overview:
Class 1 Constructing and deconstructing identity
In this first class, Dariane Pictet explores how identities are constructed and how we can deconstruct them to find an answer to the existential question: who am I? She explains how we could move away from our personal drama into a practice of inquiry. The result of this process is a sense of freedom and joy.
This class is available now.
Class 2 Final Class
This class includes a meditation on the theme Who am I?. There was an opportunity to share your experiences and ask questions as well.