Seeing Through
“What to others a trifle appears fills me full of smiles or tears For double the vision my eyes do see And a double vision is always with me. With my inward eye ʻtis an old Man gray With my outward a thistle across my way.”
William Blake
James Hillman’s concept of “seeing through” involves a deep, critical perspective on the nature of reality and experience. It’s about looking beyond surface appearances to understand the underlying psychological and emotional truths. Hillman suggests that instead of merely accepting things as they seem, we should engage in a more profound examination of our perceptions and the meanings we attach to them.
In practical terms, “seeing through” means questioning our assumptions, exploring the deeper layers of our experiences, and recognizing the symbolic and archetypal dimensions of life. It’s an approach that encourages us to challenge conventional views and consider alternative interpretations of reality, often revealing insights about ourselves and the world that are not immediately obvious.
Strengthening one’s ability to “see through” in the way James Hillman describes requires cultivating a perspective that perceives life symbolically, metaphorically, and imaginally rather than literally. This approach invites a more soulful engagement with the world, where everything is seen as having deeper meaning beyond its surface appearance. Here are several practices that can help develop this capacity:
1. Practice Imaginal Thinking
• Embrace Metaphor and Symbol: Train yourself to see events, people, and objects not just for what they literally are, but as symbols that carry deeper meaning. Hillman encourages us to see beyond the surface and consider the archetypal forces at play. For example, instead of seeing a tree as just a tree, ask yourself: What does this tree represent symbolically? What qualities does it embody (strength, rootedness, growth)? Engaging with life through metaphorical thinking opens up new dimensions of meaning.
• Question Literal Interpretations: When encountering situations or interpreting events, practice moving away from literal interpretations. Ask yourself, “What else could this mean?” or “What is the deeper story behind this?” Hillman’s “seeing through” encourages a reflective attitude that always seeks another layer of meaning beyond the obvious.
2. Work with Archetypes
• Identify Archetypal Patterns: Start recognizing archetypal themes and patterns in your life and in the lives of others. Archetypes are universal patterns or themes, such as the Hero, the Mother, the Trickster, or the Lover. By seeing your own experiences as part of these larger patterns, you begin to understand life imaginally. For example, a personal conflict might be seen as part of the “Warrior” archetype at work, or a relationship could reflect the “Lover” archetype.
• Personify Inner Figures: Hillman’s approach to archetypal psychology encourages us to personify the inner figures and forces in our psyche. Rather than seeing emotions or thoughts as abstract concepts, imagine them as figures or characters with whom you can dialogue. This practice helps bring the imaginal world to life, making it easier to engage with it in a meaningful way.
3. Engage with Myths and Stories
• Immerse Yourself in Mythology: Read myths, fairy tales, and symbolic stories from various traditions. These stories are rich with imaginal content and teach you to think in terms of archetypes and metaphors. Hillman believed that myths are not just ancient stories but are living realities that play out in our lives. By studying mythology, you can start to see how these timeless narratives are present in your personal experiences.
• Mythologize Your Life: Begin to see your own life as a mythic journey. Ask yourself, “What mythic story am I living?” or “Which mythic figure is influencing my current experience?” By mythologizing your life, you develop the ability to see beyond the mundane and tap into the deeper, symbolic meaning of your experiences.
4. Cultivate a Soulful Approach to Life
• Slow Down and Reflect: Hillman encourages a “soulful” approach to life, which involves slowing down, reflecting, and being present to the depth of experience. Instead of rushing through life, take time to reflect on your experiences, emotions, and encounters. This practice allows you to notice the symbolic and imaginal dimensions of life that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Value the Depth of Experience: Soul-making, as Hillman describes it, involves valuing depth over surface, quality over quantity. To “see through” means to appreciate the complexities, ambiguities, and nuances of life rather than seeking simple, straightforward answers. Cultivate an attitude of curiosity and reverence for the deeper layers of experience.
5. Engage in Creative and Artistic Practices
• Express Yourself Creatively: Creative expression is a powerful way to engage with the imaginal and develop the ability to see through. Whether through writing, painting, music, or another form of art, creating allows you to tap into the imaginal world and explore symbolic meanings. Artistic creation encourages you to move beyond literal interpretations and enter a space where images and symbols can speak for themselves.
• Appreciate Art Imaginatively: Engage with art, literature, and film not just as entertainment but as imaginal experiences. Ask yourself what deeper meanings or archetypal themes are being expressed. Treat works of art as invitations to see the world differently, and allow them to expand your perspective.
6. Practice Dream Work
• Work with Dreams: Dreams are a direct portal into the imaginal world. Keeping a dream journal and reflecting on your dreams helps you develop the ability to see symbolically. In Hillman’s view, dreams are expressions of the soul, and working with them teaches you to think imaginally. Instead of interpreting dreams in a literal or reductive way, approach them as rich symbolic landscapes that reveal deeper truths about your psyche.
• Use Dreams as Guides: Pay attention to recurring symbols, images, or themes in your dreams, and ask what they might be trying to tell you. By engaging with dreams in this way, you strengthen your ability to see through daily life with the same imaginal perspective.
7. Dialogue with the Soul
• Practice Internal Dialogue: Engage in dialogue with different aspects of your psyche, especially when dealing with emotions, conflicts, or decisions. Treat your feelings, thoughts, and impulses as living presences with their own voices. This practice helps externalize and personify the imaginal content of the psyche, making it easier to work with symbolically.
• Listen to the Soul’s Voice: Hillman believed that the soul speaks through images, metaphors, and symbols. Cultivating a relationship with your soul involves learning to listen to these subtle voices and respecting them as meaningful. This practice requires patience, openness, and a willingness to engage with the non-rational aspects of your inner world.
8. Challenge Literalism in Daily Life
• Resist Literal Interpretations: In daily life, challenge the tendency to interpret things literally or reductively. When faced with a situation, ask yourself, “What is the symbolic meaning here?” or “What archetypal energy is at play?” This habit of questioning helps you cultivate a mindset that naturally looks for deeper meanings.
• Use Language Imaginatively: Pay attention to the language you use and how it reflects your perception of reality. Hillman encourages the use of metaphorical and imaginal language, which reflects a more soul-centered way of seeing the world. Practice using imaginative language to describe your experiences and emotions, which can help shift your perception from literal to symbolic.
9. Embrace Uncertainty and Paradox
• Tolerate Ambiguity: Hillman’s approach to the imaginal involves embracing ambiguity, complexity, and paradox. Instead of seeking clear, definitive answers, allow yourself to dwell in the uncertainty of not knowing. This openness to ambiguity helps you see the multiple layers of meaning present in any situation, rather than reducing it to a single interpretation.
• Recognize the Multiplicity of the Psyche: Hillman’s polytheistic approach to the psyche emphasizes that we are influenced by multiple archetypal forces at once. Recognizing the multiplicity within yourself and others helps you see through to the different layers of reality that exist simultaneously. This practice develops a more nuanced and imaginal perspective.
10. Engage in Soulful Conversations
• Deepen Conversations: When engaging with others, move beyond surface-level discussions. Ask questions that invite deeper reflection, such as “What do you think this experience really means?” or “How might this event be connected to a larger pattern in your life?” By fostering soulful conversations, you encourage both yourself and others to see through the literal and engage with life’s symbolic dimension.
• Listen with the Soul: Practice listening not just to the content of what others are saying, but to the underlying emotional and symbolic messages. Listening with the soul involves being attuned to the deeper meanings behind words, paying attention to tone, gesture, and imagery.
