The lesson for us given by professor C.G. Jung
Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, posed one of the most profound existential questions of the 20th century: “Are you prepared to live and write the myth of your life?” This challenge is both an invitation and a confrontation. It demands that we face the fundamental question of our existence: Who am I, and who am I becoming?
This question speaks to the core of Jung’s philosophy and psychology. Life is not a series of random occurrences but a narrative we actively shape. It is not merely about survival or going through the motions of societal expectations but about discovering and embodying a deeper, archetypal story that resonates with our innermost self.
The Myth of Your Life
Jung used the term “myth” not in the sense of something false or fabricated but as a deeply personal and universal story. Myths are archetypal narratives that provide meaning, structure, and purpose. They are the blueprints of human existence, connecting the individual to the collective unconscious—a reservoir of shared symbols, archetypes, and stories that transcend time and culture.
To write the myth of your life is to consciously shape your story. It means aligning your actions, thoughts, and values with a purpose that feels authentic to you. It requires introspection, courage, and a willingness to confront the unknown. You are both the author and the protagonist of your life’s myth, crafting it moment by moment.
The Choice: Nihilist or Divine Being
Jung’s challenge emphasizes a profound choice: You can either drift into nihilism or embrace your potential as a co-creator of your existence.
- The Nihilist Path:
- Nihilism is the rejection of meaning and purpose. It arises when we perceive life as chaotic, devoid of inherent value, and ruled by randomness.
- This path is characterized by despair, cynicism, and disconnection from the deeper currents of life.
- It is often the result of living unconsciously, allowing societal conditioning, external pressures, or inner fears to dictate our actions.
- The Path of the Divine Being:
- To embrace your life as a divine being is to recognize your intrinsic connection to the infinite and eternal.
- This path involves stepping into your creative power, acknowledging that you have the ability to shape your life’s narrative.
- It means living authentically, guided by your inner voice, and aligned with a purpose that resonates with your soul.
Jung believed that we all have the capacity to access the divine within us. This divinity is not an external deity but a reflection of the Self—the integrated, whole, and true version of who we are.
Becoming the Hero of Your Story
The myth of your life positions you as the hero in an ongoing journey. In Jungian terms, this journey involves the process of individuation—the integration of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche to become a complete and whole individual.
- Acknowledging the Call: Like the hero in mythological stories, the journey begins with a call to adventure. This might come as a life crisis, an inner yearning, or a moment of profound realization. Are you prepared to answer the call?
- Confronting the Shadow: Writing your myth requires facing your shadow—the repressed, unacknowledged parts of yourself. This is not about denial but about integrating these aspects into your whole being.
- Discovering Archetypal Patterns: The myths we live by are shaped by archetypal patterns—the lover, the warrior, the sage, the seeker. Recognizing these archetypes in your life can help guide your choices and actions.
- Living Authentically: To write your myth is to live authentically. It requires listening to your intuition, following your passions, and making choices aligned with your truth, even in the face of challenges.
- Transformation and Return: The hero’s journey is not complete until the wisdom gained is brought back to the world. Writing your myth is not a solitary endeavor; it is about contributing your unique gifts to the collective story of humanity.
The Myth as a Living Process
Jung emphasized that life’s myth is not static. It is a living, breathing process that evolves as you evolve. It is not something you “figure out” once and for all but something you actively shape with each decision, each moment of awareness, and each act of courage.
Every experience—joyful or painful—becomes part of your story. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, every success a chance to refine your vision. The myth of your life is not about perfection but about presence. It is about being fully alive, engaged, and committed to your unique path.
The Power of Choice
At the heart of Jung’s question lies the power of choice. You have the freedom to choose how you perceive and respond to life’s challenges. You can choose to see life as meaningless or as a grand adventure. You can choose to live passively, reacting to circumstances, or to live actively, creating your reality.
Jung’s challenge is radical because it places responsibility squarely on your shoulders. No one else can write your myth for you. The question is not whether you have a myth but whether you are aware of it and consciously shaping it.
To write the myth of your life is to embrace your role as both creator and created. It is to acknowledge your potential for greatness, your capacity for growth, and your connection to something greater than yourself.
Whether you see yourself as a nihilist or a divine being, the choice is yours. Jung’s invitation is not to adopt a particular belief but to live fully, authentically, and creatively. The myth of your life is waiting to be written. What story will you tell?
Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey
Central to Jung’s philosophy is the concept of archetypes: universal patterns and symbols that reside in the collective unconscious. These archetypes guide our behaviors, dreams, and aspirations. By identifying and engaging with these patterns, you can better understand your role in the larger story of life.
The Hero Archetype
One of the most significant archetypes is the Hero. The Hero’s journey, as popularized by Joseph Campbell and rooted in Jungian thought, is the quintessential framework for writing the myth of your life. It involves leaving the familiar, facing trials, confronting your shadow, and returning transformed. This journey mirrors our psychological growth and the quest for self-realization.
In choosing to live your myth, you become the hero of your story. You embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and transform suffering into meaning. The journey is not about perfection but about authenticity and courage.
The Shadow and Self-Discovery
Jung emphasized the importance of confronting the Shadow, the part of ourselves we suppress or deny. Your Shadow holds the unacknowledged aspects of your personality—fears, desires, and potential. By integrating the Shadow, you free yourself from unconscious patterns and gain the power to consciously shape your myth.
Self-remembering, as Gurdjieff described and closely aligned with Jung’s teachings, is key here. This state of heightened awareness allows you to observe your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. It’s a moment of stepping out of the mechanical, conditioned responses that dominate daily life. In self-remembering, you’re no longer a slave to your unconscious; instead, you become its master.
Writing Your Myth: Practical Steps
- Reflect on Your Current Narrative What story are you currently living? Is it one of victimhood, empowerment, love, or fear? Identifying your current myth is the first step in transforming it.
- Embrace Self-Awareness Through meditation, journaling, or therapy, develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and motivations. What archetypes are you unconsciously embodying?
- Confront the Shadow Face the parts of yourself you’ve avoided. Acknowledge your fears, insecurities, and hidden desires. Transformation begins with radical honesty.
- Cultivate Vision What kind of life do you want to create? What values and aspirations resonate with your authentic self? Allow your imagination to guide you in envisioning a meaningful myth.
- Live Creatively Take action in alignment with your vision. Whether through art, relationships, work, or spirituality, express your myth through daily choices.
- Stay Present Remember, life unfolds in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness and self-remembering, you maintain a connection to your authentic self and avoid falling back into unconscious patterns.
Rigpa and Self-Remembering
In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of Rigpa aligns beautifully with Jung’s notion of self-remembering. Rigpa refers to the state of pure awareness, where one sees reality as it is, free from delusion and conditioning. This state is not something external to achieve but rather a recognition of your true nature.
By living with Rigpa, you move beyond the illusions of the ego and embody the luminosity and emptiness that Jung also identified as the essence of human potential. Writing your myth, therefore, becomes an act of awakening to this deeper reality.
Conclusion: A Call to Live Authentically
Jung’s question, Are you prepared to live and write the myth of your life? is an invitation to awaken. It’s a challenge to step out of unconscious conditioning and embrace your role as a co-creator of reality. By choosing to live authentically, confronting your shadow, and aligning with your true nature, you transform your life into a masterpiece—a myth worthy of the divine being you are.
The choice is yours: Will you live mechanically, or will you step into the vast, luminous potential of your existence? The pen is in your hand. Write your myth. I also do. When I received my esoteric name some decades ago I felt strong about it and wanted it te manifest in my life. And it did. Shunyam Adhibhu
breath4balance 