Between the Covid-19 crisis and the Black Lives Matter protests, we are being called to recognize the pain and suffering people have been experiencing. And we are being asked do something about it, individually and collectively.
One way is by making the unconscious conscious and the unseen seen.
This can be done for our own selves as well as for the larger society - as we acknowledge institutionalized racism and bigotry.
On a personal level, how do we make the unconscious conscious?
As Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
The unconscious is a collection of memories, thoughts, feelings, motives and reactions that unknowingly dictate our thoughts and decisions (in other words, our lives.)
If we decide that we don’t want to constantly react from this conditioning, but instead want more awareness, we need courage.
Courage to try a different way.
We also need willingness to want to change.
This is true for us as individuals as well as for the collective.
Because collectives are made up of individuals. If we all do this work and choose to show up with love as opposed to our unconscious conditioning, we can indeed create a new way of being with one another.
If you’re ready to make the unconscious conscious, here are some suggestions.
1. Probe
I recently chatted with a few people who are truly benefitting from talk therapy. Each shared how they are seeing patterns of automatic responses rooted in childhood trauma. Recognizing these, has offered massive growth, more happiness, as well as increased agency.
Is there someone you can you talk to that can help you see what may be holding you back?
Even self inquiry into beliefs can yield powerful results.
2. Awareness
How much of your day are you actually participating in and how much of it are you on some kind of auto-pilot?
How can you be more present?
Being present is THE way to bring the unconscious into the conscious.
Being present allows you to experience the moment rather than react from past conditioning.
And the best way to cultivate presence is with a spiritual practice.
Choose what you like - from chanting, prayer, singing, meditation, breath work, or surrendering to a higher power. Any and all of these can support you to feel more grounded, connected and awake in your life.
As we become more present in each moment, we open to being in the heart space. When we do that, we show up with kindness, with love, with support, with empathy. With all the attributes our world needs to heal.
As I heard Reverend Raphael Warnock say recently, “justice is what love looks like in public.”
How can our society be more just and equitable?
As you look within and become aware of old patterns, we can also turn that inquiring light onto our larger society and identify ways we have, and continue to, oppress and hurt people, especially of black and brown communities. Please take community action.
Here’s another great resource of ways to help.