How to Make the Unconscious Conscious
The Covid-19 crisis and the Black Lives Matter protests, are showing us - up close- that we need to see and acknowledge the pain and suffering people have been experiencing.
And take a stand.
One way we can do this is by making the unconscious conscious, and the unseen seen.
We can do this both within our own selves, as well as within the larger society, by shedding light on the ways hurt, favoritism, racism and bigotry have been institutionalized.
As Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
On a personal level, how do we make the unconscious conscious?
The unconscious is comprised of memories, thoughts, feelings, motivations, and reactions that unknowingly rule our thoughts and decisions (in other words, our lives.) To decide that we don’t want to simply react from our conditioning, and instead make these unconscious thoughts and reactions conscious, we need courage.
Courage to try a different way.
We also need willingness to change.
Both as individuals as well as the collective.
And here’s the thing, 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 whole new way of living in our world.
If you want to keep making the unconscious conscious, here are some suggestions.
1. Probe
Recently I’ve spoken with a few people who are really benefitting from talk therapy.
Each shared how they are seeing patterns and ways of automatically responding, that are based on childhood trauma and societal imprinting. Unpacking these, and recognizing how they aren’t actually serving them, has offered massive growth, greater peace, as well as increased agency.
Who can you talk with to help you see the patterns that are holding you back?
Even asking yourself through inquiry about beliefs you have can yield positive results.
2. Awareness
How much of your day are you actively participating in, and how much of it are you on auto-pilot?
How can you be more present?
Being present is THE way to bring the unconscious into the conscious.
Being present allows your life to not be dictated by the past and by instant reactions. It helps you genuinely show up in this moment.
So how do we do that?
Have a spiritual practice.
Whatever it may be.
Whether it's chanting, prayer, singing, meditation, breath work, or surrendering to a higher power, all of these can aid us in feeling more grounded, connected and awake in our lives.
As we become more awake in our lives, we are able to operate more from our 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?
Just as you are willing to look within and dredge up old patterns, we can turn that spotlight onto our larger society and identify ways we have and continue to oppress and hurt people, especially of black and brown communities. PLEASE support positive change by taking community action.
Here's a great resource of ways to help.