JungCincinnati.org programs and events page

"Anyone who wants to know the human psyche would be better advised to bid farewell to his study and wander with human heart through the world."

--C.G. Jung

“To this day, ‘God’ is the name by which I designate all things which cross my willful path violently and recklessly, all things which upset my subjective views, plans and intentions, and change the course of my life for better or for worse.” C G.Jung

Spiritual teachings are sometimes interpreted as advising us to let go of material things – but to advance consciousness we need to be weaned, not from material things, but from our allegiance to duality. The essence of ego-centered consciousness is to have preferences. Yet, as Jung suggests, our most powerful and meaningful psychological and spiritual growth may emerge out of events we would never choose – loss, trauma, chaos and confusion.

Confusion is seen as a mistake, even a madness. In truth, our potential for growth reveals itself in moments of disruption. The gift of confusion must be honored to clear a space in our lives for something new to claim us.

This workshop draws upon wisdom spanning many cultures, from ancient Greece to Hindu and Zen sages, to Christian mystics, to contemporary poets, artists and scientists. It will utilize case studies, Jungian theory, and the presenter’s personal experience in coping with life-threatening illness in his own family. We will explore the limits of egocentric thinking, the nature of neurotic versus creative suffering, the healing power of paradox, and how each of us can find peace and purpose in daily life even in the midst of chaos and confusion.

Saturday, March 1, 2008
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(Registration from 9:00 a.m.)

St. John’s Unitarian Church
320 Resor Ave. Clifton
Cost: $35 members, $45 non-members

Directions to location: Resor Ave. is off Clifton Ave., five blocks north of Ludlow. Parking is available in the church parking lot or at the Clifton school parking lot at the back of the church (walk through gate located at far end of the lot.)

Jerry M. Ruhl, Ph.D., is a Jungian psychologist who has studied spiritual traditions in Japan, Bali, Thailand, Nepal and India.. He is author of four books including one on life-changing accidents and illness. His most recent work is “Living Your Unlived Life”, co-authored with Robert Johnson. Books will be available for sale.

“Individuation does not shut one out from the world, but gathers the world to oneself” C.G.Jung

Workshop: Forgiveness as a Task of Individuation
Saturday, April 19, 2008 – 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Doors open 9:00 a.m.)

From the perspective of analytical psychology, the problem of forgiveness is a task of the individuation process. A conscious commitment to undertake this task, which makes healing possible, calls for a readiness to bear pain and persistence in working through old grievances. The implication is that betrayal can lead us back to ourselves over the bridge of forgiveness, by taking responsibility for our own well being, so that we are not ruled by negative thoughts and emotions. Self-forgiveness involves a commitment to overcoming the self-damaging cycle of living with feelings of resentment and revenge.

The morning workshop will consider what typically fosters and what inhibits forgiveness, exploring this complex problem from a Jungian viewpoint. The discussion will not seek to present an uncritical policy in favor of forgiveness, or be concerned with the issue of whether one should forgive, but rather with the psychological processes and archetypal dynamics that enable or limit the capacity for forgiveness.

Workshop: Approaching Forgiveness in a Small Group Setting
Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

In a small group setting of 10-12 participants, the problem of forgiveness will be considered in depth, through sharing, reflection, group discussion, writing, and guided imagery. To participate, it will be necessary to attend the morning workshop, and numbers will be strictly limited according to those who register first.

NEW THOUGHT UNITY CENTER OF CINCINNATI
1401 E. McMillan St.
(use side entrance on Grandview – parking available across the street)

Cost: Morning workshop: $35 members, $45 non-members
Both workshops: $75 members, $90 non-members
CEUs approved for Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage/Family Therapists, Nurses
(2.5 hours for each half day)

Melanie Higgins, Ph.D., Jungian Analyst, received her license as a clinical psychologist in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1988, a teaching position in psychology at the University of Maryland, European Division, took her to Heidelberg, Germany where she taught for ten years, before devoting herself to private clinical practice. She received her Diploma in 2004 from the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich.