“The goal of individuation is wholeness, as much as we can accomplish, not the triumph of the ego.”
This quote is by James Hollis, a Jungian analyst, author, and speaker.
Individuation is the process of growing in consciousness and becoming more whole, thereby becoming the unique person each of us was created to be. Individuation isn’t completed in this life; Hollis‘ words “as much as we can accomplish” refer to this truth. As we gradually gain in consciousness through the process of individuation, however, our lives become more authentic and we become more able to discern inner direction given to us by the Self (to use Jungian terminology) and by our Creator (to use spiritual terminology). And as we become more conscious we are more able to follow that direction. The proper role of our ego is not to triumph but instead to be in service to inner direction, to try our best to do the actions and make the changes that we discern.
Individuation, therefore, is the opposite of the ego triumphing. When the ego triumphs, we become egocentric. People who are egocentric think they’re in control, that they already have the answers and therefore have no need to listen to anyone, let alone their inner voice (of which they are most likely unaware). As a result, their lives are stagnant rather than changing in positive ways. Egocentric persons are cut off from the qualities that lead to a more meaningful life: creativity, acceptance of challenges that life presents to help us grow in courage, perseverance, and other qualities, a sense of purpose, and times of genuine joy.
Some people, especially those who are naturally more intuitive, tend to live in a way that leads to individuation without needing to have a lot of knowledge about it. By that I don’t mean it’s an easier process for them than for others, for there are always times of challenge and difficulty in order to grow in consciousness.
As a person who is naturally less intuitive, I had no awareness of the concept of becoming more conscious until I started meeting with a Jungian psychotherapist many years ago. I was struggling to deal with some things going on in my life, and I made the decision to get help. Through our work together and by reading books that my therapist recommended about Jungian psychology and other helpful topics, I not only received the help to deal with issues that led me to seeking out a therapist, but it was also the beginning of my growing in consciousness that has made my life more meaningful and purposeful during the time since and that will continue for as long as I am on my earthly journey. And I believe that I was “led” to my excellent therapist by inner direction, even though at the time I wasn’t aware that was happening. For that, I am very grateful.
The more each of us individuates and therefore becomes more whole, the less the ego triumphs. This not only makes each of our lives matter more, it also has a positive impact on everyone with whom we interact.