We all struggle to fit in, find our way, and thrive, and in my experience most people are doing the best they can with the skills and tools they were given. Therefore, as a manager I always prioritized giving support and encouragement to the people I supervised and tried to position them so they were doing something they liked or were good at. I found this increased productivity and created a positive work experience and attitude. As a Jungian Coach, my approach is similar. I look for how I can support my clients to do what they are good at, to follow their unique calling, and become people of authenticity and character.

Jung

I came to Jung as a young writer in my 20s, admiring his use of myth, symbols, and fairy tales. Later, as I studied psychology I learned of his relationship with Sigmund Freud and how they differed in their view of human life. Freud used the analogy of pressures and hydraulics to describe the inner workings of the psyche, and focused on sexuality. Jung used the analogy of an inner solar system with elements of light and shadow, individuals and the collective, and complexes and daemons. Since his original work I've appreciated how Jungian's have expanded and enhanced the framework, so that it has become a living tradition, affirming and supporting the development of individuals throughout their lives.

Wabi Sabi

When I discovered wabi sabi, I saw a deep resonances with Jungian psychology. Wabi sabi is a kind of beauty found in objects that have aged into something more than they were originally. I wrote, "Wabi sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect." And the nothing includes you. You will not last, you will not be finished, you will not be perfect. But the important insight from Jung was that he saw humans as ever working towards individuation — becoming more unique, more balanced, and more beautiful throughout their lives. The related Japanese art of Kintsugi is also helpful to describe the work of individuation. In this practice pots are mended with gold. This shows that even broken things, when made whole, can be more valuable than the original. For me, the work clients do to mend themselves occurs in coaching sessions and is indeed golden.

The Journey is Home

The Japanese poet Basho, known for his use of of the word sabi, wrote, "The moon and the sun travel night and day. The years trail on without interruption. Whether steering a ship at sea or leading a horse on land, each person's life is a journey, and the journey itself is home." The journey is different for each person, but the sense of home is the same.

I am honored to share my orientation skills as you navigate a difficult or challenging part of your journey. You can be yourself with me, and know that I will be looking for the beauty, the gifts, and the unique self that is calling you forward.