The Soul’s Wishes

When our ego no longer sets the course, we can feel lost and fearful. This experience, though uncomfortable, can be a gateway to deeper understanding and growth. Reflect on times when you have felt lost and uncertain, noticing your emotional responses and the strategies you employed to stay grounded. Embracing the unknown can open up new possibilities, allowing you to grow in ways you might not have anticipated.

Being in a relationship with the psyche, soul or Authentic Self (I use them all interchangeably) involves a deep and ongoing dialogue with your inner world. It means listening to your inner voices, dreams, and intuitions. Consider what the concept of “soul” means to you and how you experience it in your daily life. Recognize the importance of honoring your inner experiences and nurturing this relationship through rituals or practices that support your connection to your inner world.

Following the cues of the soul often requires a willingness to trust your intuition and inner guidance, even when it leads you down unexpected paths. Reflect on your comfort level with trusting your intuition and recall instances where following your psyche’s guidance led to positive outcomes. Address any fears or reservations you may have about following your inner cues, and cultivate a greater sense of trust in your psyche’s wisdom.

Actively engaging in the transformative process of individuation in your daily life involves integrating different aspects of yourself into a coherent whole. Identify daily practices or habits that support your journey toward wholeness, such as journaling, meditation, or creative pursuits. Recognize any habits or patterns that might hinder your progress and consider how to address these obstacles. Integrate new insights about yourself into your daily life, allowing them to inform your actions and choices.

Envisioning your Authentic Self involves connecting with the true essence of who you are, beyond societal expectations and external influences. Describe your vision of your Authentic Self, noting the qualities, values, and passions that define this version of you. Take steps to embrace your Authentic Self more fully in your life, through practices such as self-compassion, setting boundaries, or pursuing passions that support your authenticity. Create an environment that nurtures and celebrates your true self.

Remember, the journey towards understanding your soul and embracing your Authentic Self is a continuous process. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this transformative path. Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on these themes, incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your routine, engage in creative activities, and seek support through therapy or support groups to explore these questions more deeply. Through this process, you can create a deeper connection with your inner world and a more authentic expression of yourself in your daily life.

Reflection Questions:

When our ego no longer sets the course, we can feel lost and fearful. How do you deal with not knowing?

How do you conceptualize “being in relationship with the psyche?”

To what level are you willing to follow the cues of the psyche? 

In what ways do you actively engage in the transformative process of individuation in your daily life? Are there practices or habits that support or hinder your journey toward wholeness and embracing your individuality?

How do you envision your Authentic Self? What steps or practices might help you embrace this self more fully in your life?

How do you conceptualize the soul, or psyche?

Is this a part of yourself that you recognize, and if not, are you willing to continue to work towards a connection with this part of yourself?

What is the soul asking of you at this moment in your life?

In which directions is it guiding you?

What does it want you to pay conscious attention to?

What are you being invited to grow toward?

What life wants to come into the world through you?

Image: Arthur Rackham