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 The C. G. Jung Center
September 2010 Newsletter
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From the Executive Director
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 The heat of these past days (this whole summer, really!) makes it hard to fathom that fall is about to be upon us. In addition to the clothing catalogs touting tweeds appearing in mailboxes, though, there are the unmistakable signs in nature: the sun is setting a full hour earlier than at the solstice, the coral bells in my garden are beginning to change color, the squirrels are foraging. Living in an urban area in 21st century America, it can be difficult to pay attention to these natural signs because the "noise" from modern life is so much louder. Yet we evolved within a natural environment and truly only up until the past few hundred years had been entirely subservient to nature (or, some would argue, we are still today, as seen in the floods in Pakistan-just one of the recent "natural" disasters with tremendous impacts). Our disengagement from nature often leads to an estrangement in our own psyches, a feeling of unease that is difficult to understand until one returns to nature and then feels restored. If these experiences or ideas resonate with you, I would highly recommend attending both the lecture and workshop being presented by Dennis Merritt on September 24th and 25th for our Fifth Annual June Singer Lecture (see below). Dennis will be speaking on the topic of ecopsychology (a field in which he has been deeply immersed for years), and also leading a workshop on the use of the I Ching, (an ancient wisdom text whose symbolism is filled with nature and seasonal events). He is a tremendous teacher, and we are delighted to have him present at our annual lecture in honor of our founder, June Singer.
Pat Cochran, Psy.D.
Executive Director
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In addition to the rhythm of the natural world, there is a rhythm to the non-profit world, which includes a year-end appeal! In anticipation of that, I have begun to reflect on the nature of the relationship you, our supporters, have to the Jung Center. Quite frankly, we would not exist if it were not for you because your engagement with us feeds and sustains us. Whether you come to classes or movies, donate your time, bring your friends, give money, recommend our psychotherapy services, or even just read our emails, we receive something truly valuable: we soak up your dedication like a tree soaks up the sun. To further that metaphor, just as the sun's rays chemically induce photosynthesis allowing the tree to grow and thrive, your support allows us to continue to offer the unique and special services of the June Singer Clinic and public programs dedicated to the ideas of Carl Jung. Thank you!
On another note about giving, many employers have matching gift programs that double or even triple the charitable giving of their employees, which is a wonderful way to extend the impact of your giving. Sadly, many people don't know their employer has such a benefit. We now have a list of these companies in the Chicago area, and would encourage our donors to give us a call so we may determine if a matching gift can be made. Just call Megan or Nell at 847-475-4848 x 221. Thank you again!
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 Mythology of Depth from Aesklepios to the Greeks and RomansMary Ellen O'Hare-Lavin, PhDFriday September 10, 7-9 pm$25 by 9/3, $30 after,CEUs: 2
"...the more of the unconscious, and the more of myth we're capable of making conscious, the more life we integrate." (MDR, p. 302)
We take for granted the everyday happenings of our lives and sometimes wonder about the prevalence of certain "patterns of behavior." The ancients lacked modern scientific understanding so they used stories to explain natural phenomena. This lecture/power point presentation will reintroduce and help us reexamine the archetypal mythology of everyday living, taking us from Aesklepios, the Wounded Healer, to the myths used by Greeks and Romans to help understand life patterns. Though helpful for clinicians, this lecture is geared for anyone interested in patterns of behavior that manifest in their lives. Come prepared to reawaken a love of storytelling and mythmaking.
 Creating Mandalas with Universal ShapesPat Otto, ATR-BC, LCPCSunday September 12, 12:30-3:30pm$40 before 9/8, $50 after CEUs: 3
Mandalas, or circle forms, are often depicted with geometric designs that are recognized throughout time and by all cultures. These five shapes are universal: the circle, cross, spiral, triangle, and square. As archetypal symbols, each universal shape carries its own meaning. By creating mandalas using the universal shapes as a practice, we may better understand the connection between how the meaning attributed to each shape also stands for a process of human growth and development. Referencing Angeles Arrien's The Signs of Life, we will discover our preferred universal shapes at this time in our life, and begin our own mandala practice. No previous art experience is necessary. Art materials will be provided. Please bring your own sketchbook/journal. Held at Blue Lotus Art Studio 912 Sherman Ave. Evanston IL 60202
 Movie Viewing and Discussion: 8 1/2Friday September 17, 7-10 pmFrancesco Belviso, PhD, MA$15 pre or drop-in
Federico Fellini's masterpiece, 8 1/2, narrates a director's retreat to thoughts of yesteryear when his producers, his wife, and his mistress all pressure him to start making another movie. A beautifully over-the-top story, stunning cast (Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aime, Claudia Cardinale), and the memorable soundtrack by Nino Rota won this movie two Oscars in 1963. Little known fact, Fellini was fascinated by Jungian psychology, and the movie plays with the concepts of anima, dreams, and fantasies. In this semiautobiographical story, three years after Fellini's breakthrough with La Dolce Vita, a one man's artistic crisis becomes a warning tale for all of us. Come explore the role of creativity in mid-life transitions, as well as the importance of integrating our dreams, insights, and inner discoveries into our daily life and relationships. A digitally remastered version, in Italian with English subtitles.
 Jung, Ecopsychology and the I ChingDennis Merritt, MA, LCSWFriday September 24, 7-9 pm$30 ($125 w/workshop) CEUs 2
We are at a critical juncture in our relationship with the environment. The new field of ecopsychology addresses this problem by examining how our attitudes, perceptions and values affect our relationship with nature. Carl Jung can be seen as the prototypical ecopsychologist because his deep connection with nature affected the theories and practice of Jungian psychology. The I Ching, the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, compliments Jung's ideas and provides many agricultural and seasonal analogies that can help connect us to the land, especially here in the Midwest. A 15-minute video, "Seasons of the Soul," will be used to illustrate some of these topics using four main concepts from the I Ching.
 The I Ching: The Ultimate Self-Help BookDennis Merritt, MA, LCSWSaturday September 25, 10-4 pm$110, ($125 w/ lecture) CEUs 5Limit: 18, lunch included
The I Ching is one of the oldest and richest books of wisdom in the world. Most remarkable is how readily available and relevant its answers are to questions of great personal importance that are addressed to it. Through a process Carl Jung called synchronicity we are able to obtain the advice of Chinese sages on career and spiritual concerns, difficult life choices, and personal development. It is an exceptional guide on relationship issues. Answers from the Ching often make reference to seasonal and other natural phenomena, helping us develop a symbolic connection to the land. The workshop will focus on how to use the I Ching for optimum effect. Participants will use the yarrow stalk method of divination to do a group hexagram and learn how to work with three important translations of the Chinese classics Richard Wilhelm's The I Ching or Book of Changes, R. L. Wing's The I Ching Workbook and Carol Anthony's A Guide to the I Ching 3rd ed.
To register please call 847-475-4848 or click here
There is a $15 processing fee for CEUs
Classes are held at The C. G. Jung Center, unless otherwise noted
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 Is Man God? The Advaitic ViewWeekly Drop-In Study Group
Mondays 7-8:30 pm,
Weyler Greene, PhD & Diane Miller, MA, LPC
$10/week
In
this group, we study Eastern esoteric non-dual wisdom through the words
of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, an Advaitic sage and 20th century
proponent of this philosophy. The group supports one another in
applying this non-dualistic thought to our Western lifestyle through
reading, discussion, and weekly self-awareness/meditation exercises
designed to help us transcend our thoughts, fears, and desires and
understand our true nature and ultimately realize Who we really are. Required text: I Am That, talks with Sri Nisargatta Maharaj (The Acorn Press, 2005).
 Peer Consultation Group
Deb McGowan, LCPC
9/17, 10/15, 11/19, 12/17
$30 (includes 1.5 CEUs)
For clinicians, this monthly peer consultation group at the Center is facilitated by Deb McGowen, LCPC who has many years of experience practicing Jungian oriented psychotherapy. This group is an opportunity to develop a stronger connection to colleagues as well as engage in professional growth. It usually meets the third Friday of the month. This group is free to June Singer Clinic volunteer therapists.
To register please call 847-475-4848 x221 or click hereThere is a $15 processing fee for CEUs
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The June Singer Clinic for Depth Psychotherapy is now accepting applications for new clients. In addition to our offices in Evanston, clients can be seen in offices in suburbs such as Bannockburn, Highland Park, and Wheaton. For more information on our sliding scale clinic, please click here or call Pat Cochran at 847-475-4848 x 243. |
From time to time, we would like to pass along information about events or programs in which we think you might have an interest. Coming up in October:Clarissa Pinkola Estés, PhD, Diplomate Analyst, and author of Women Who Run With the Wolves will be the keynote speaker at the Women's Leadership Conference, October 8-9 in Lake Forest. Please click here for details.
The Jung Center is providing CEUs for this event.
Earn up to 3 LPC, LCPC, or LCSW CEUs.
There is a $15 processing fee for CEUs.
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This is our space for reflections on quotes from Jung. We invite you to share a favorite quote along with your thoughts at jung@cgjungcenter.org The following is an excerpt from the book C.G. Jung Speaking, in which the analyst Elizabeth Osterman recounted her visit to Jung at the tower he built himself in Bollingen:"At the water's edge we settled into comfortable chairs, and through the afternoon the conversation wandered back into the prehistory of the earth, into the depths of the psyche, into the wonders of nature around us. . . . He returned frequently to the theme of what man is doing to himself by living in a fast and meaningless way, how he has become estranged from himself. With immediacy and great simplicity he said: 'We must give time to nature so that she may be a mother to us. I have found the way to live here as a part of nature, to live in my own time. People in the modern world are always living so that something better is to happen tomorrow, always in the future, so they don't think to live their lives. They are up in the head. When a man begins to know himself, it is a new way of life.'" (page 163)A new way of life, indeed. That is always the challenge, isn't it, to begin to really know yourself. Certainly Jung found many different paths into self-discovery, but what is highlighted by Elizabeth Osterman's personal recollection is that one of the most profound "ways" of connecting to very important and deep layers of his own psyche came to him by way of his relationship to nature, and in particular through the stone house he built himself on a lake in Bollingen. As he says above, "I have found the way to live here as a part of nature, to live in my own time." He seems to be indicating that the act of connecting to nature and nature's time (not the ego's or culture's determination of time) can lead to knowing oneself, and result in a new way of life. This is one of the essential assertions posited by ecopsychology. As Dennis Merritt notes, Jung was a "prototypical ecopsychologist" because he understood, and experienced personally, the healing that can follow from one's connection to the natural environment. That pathway towards "a new way of life" is open to us all; join us for Dennis' lecture and workshop if you would like to begin that journey. [see above for more information and registration]
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Missed a month? Past newsletters can be viewed at our web site: http://www.cgjungcenter.org/newsletter-archive.html
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