Depth psychology can be simply explained. On the initial day of my master's program in Jungian Psychology, my professor, Jungian psychoanalyst Dr. James Hollis, shared that he could encapsulate the upcoming two years of study in a mere two straightforward sentences.
It is never about what it is about
What we see is a compensation for what we don't see
Let me break this down for you.
The phrase "It is never about what it is about" suggests that the behaviors and actions we observe in others may not actually reflect their true intentions or underlying issues. For instance, consider a person who seems to be a perfectionist - always keeping everything meticulously organized and in order. At first glance, we might assume that this person is inherently perfect.
However, it's essential to consider that what we observe may be a compensatory act, masking deeper, unseen issues. "What we see is a compensation for what we don't see." In this context, the visible perfectionism is actually a manifestation of an attempt to establish balance and stability. This is where the concept of a Jungian compensatory act comes into play.
A Jungian compensatory act is a psychological process in which an individual's unconscious mind seeks to counterbalance their conscious tendencies or one-sided behaviors. By presenting thoughts, emotions, or impulses that contrast with the conscious mind's focus, the psyche attempts to restore equilibrium and promote personal growth. In the case of the perfectionist, their outward behavior could be a way for their unconscious mind to address some underlying insecurity or need for control, thus maintaining psychological stability.
In our interactions with others, such as the highly ambitious overachiever, it is essential to remember these two principles. What truly motivates the person? If an individual exhibits significant imbalance in their life, it likely serves as compensation for feelings of inadequacy in another aspect.
Compensation, particularly in extreme cases, can be easily observed in handwriting through imbalances in aspects like size, proportion, pressure, slant, or spacing. Identifying where these imbalances occur can provide insights into how such compensation manifests in an individual's life.
Understanding this concept is crucial because when we act out of compensation, we are driven by fear, and our energy becomes entangled in our complexes. This leaves us without free will, reacting to situations instead of consciously choosing how we want to navigate our lives. The initial step towards becoming an authentic individual and establishing a healthy relationship with ourselves is to discern the purpose behind our actions. Are we merely satisfying our ego's desire for safety and comfort? Or are we genuinely living up to our full potential that our life is meant to be?
Incorporating astrological insights along with handwriting analysis can be an excellent method for revealing the true motivations behind your actions.
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