“…the goal of psychic development is the Self. There is no linear evolution; there is only a circumambulation of the Self. Linear development exists only at the very beginning; later, everything is directed toward the center.” — C.G. Jung, “Memories, Dreams, Reflections”
For me, this thought by Jung is vital because it explains the difference between changes at the level of ego-oriented psychotherapy and those in spiritually oriented psychotherapy.
At the level of ego-oriented therapy, what we try to change is within our power. If we gain insight and change something, we see the results quickly. This corresponds to the initial stage—linear development. For most people, this type of change is enough.
However, for those in whom the “impulse for individuation“ has awakened, this is only the beginning. What follows is a long journey of “circling,” moving toward the center (the Archetype from which the Ego’s individuality is born—the Self). These processes of inner wholeness span our entire lives; they go far beyond the goals of traditional psychotherapy. Because this development involves integrating new aspects of ourselves—which are usually the opposite of our conscious personality—it often creates inner conflict and can be very painful.
When we understand the nature of these psychic changes, we are better prepared to handle the discouragement and powerlessness that inevitably come with them.
