“There is a source within us that always works to bring things into the light.”
This quote is by John A. Sanford who was a Jungian analyst, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and the author of several books.
One of the reasons I have been drawn to Jungian psychology is the way that many of its concepts correspond to religious teachings and spirituality. And one of the reasons I think so highly of Dr. Sanford is his ability to clearly write about that interrelationship.
Sanford’s referring to a source within us is an example of that interrelationship. The source within is the guidance we receive from our Creator which I often refer to as our inner voice. That source is also the Self, a Jungian concept which can be defined as the larger reality that includes both the ego and the unconscious. The Self provides energy, strength, and direction to the ego. The Creator provides our life force which includes energy, strength, and direction.
Another key Jungian concept in addition to that of the Self is individuation. Individuation is the inner process where we grow in consciousness and become more whole. We grow in consciousness by integrating aspects of the unconscious that we learn from the symbols and stories of our dreams, from intuition, from synchronicities, and from unexpected occurrences. And our dreams and intuition, synchronicities, and unexpected occurrences are all given to us by our Creator for the purpose of helping us to learn about ourselves. Learning about ourselves enables us to change in positive ways that help us to live vital and purposeful lives. As we become more individuated, we become more the persons we were created to be. And we were created by our Creator.
Sanford’s words “bring things into the light” speaks to enlightenment. When we are enlightened, we have a clearer understanding and awareness. Just as in outer reality when lights make it possible for us to see whatever we’re looking at more clearly, in inner reality something brought into the light helps us to understand the guidance we’re being given.
I’m reminded of people I’ve known or read about who, through their actions and words, are people who are wise, courageous, empathic, and have other qualities that make it possible to live fulfilling lives. They are not perfect, for no human being is. But they clearly are on their spiritual path and are people who are individuating. They are in touch with that source within us that brings things into the light. This is possible for every one of us, and I encourage those who read this post to learn more about Jungian psychology so that they too will live more fulfilling lives.