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Carl Jung and the Life of the Spirit: Why it matters in daily life and in psychotherapy
with Dr David Russell
David describes this fascinating subject here:
“Jung’s grandson (Ulrich Hoerni) when asked what he remembered most about Jung as an older man was the definition of deity: “God is that which crosses my wilful path.”[1]
I want to make these words of Jung my central focus for this presentation. To extend the meaning of this quote let me say:
The life of the spirit is one shaped by the desire to embrace the non-wilful, the unknown, the unknowable.
In this presentation I’m taking the liberty to change Jung’s use of the word ‘God’ to life of the spirit. I believe this to be in keeping with his intention and the spirit of our times.
My intention is to relate Jung’s life of the spirit, understood as an archetypal form, to the troubles of daily life both personally and culturally.”
[1] Reported in The Life and Ideas of James Hillman, Vol 111, p. 505, Soul in the World, by Dick Russell, Arcade Publishing, NY, 2023.
David Russell
David’s initial studies were at the Pontifical University in Rome, Italy. His main area of study were the works of two Spanish mystics, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. Back in Sydney he studied psychology, completing his BSc (Hons) and the PhD. After a couple of years in private practice he joined the fledgling Western Sydney University and taught first in the Department of Social Ecology and then in the School of Psychology.The high point of his academic career was initiating, along with Dr Brendon Stewart, the Master of Analytical Psychology degree based on the works of Carl Jung and post Jungian writers. On leaving the university he moved back into private practice where he is still engaged on a part-time basis. During this latter period he was President of the Sydney Jung Society for a number of years.
Click here to book in to David’s Presentation
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Date: 11th April 2025 at 7.00pm AEDT
Venue: Zoom
Cost: Members $Free Non-Members $20 Non-Member
Concession $15
*Psychotherapists and other practitioners can obtain credit, upon request, for Professional Development hours recognised by PACFA and ACA for this presentation.