I used to worry about the baggage we haul along behind us,
Why don't we just cut it off - and be free of it?.
But lately I've been reading the book
by Jungian analyst James Hollis.
HAUNTINGS: DISPELLING THE GHOSTS WHO RUN OUR LIVES
He reminds us that the beliefs and feelings we inherit from our parents
and ancestors
are always alive in us - we can't get rid of them!
He urges us to explore them psychologically.
My SoulCollage, above, represents my innocent child
fearful of the guilt from 'original sin'
yet intrigued by the apple -
the "knowledge of good and evil"
I like the idea that this exploration can help us understand the influences
that have unconsciously shaped our daily lives.
It helps me to realize that my lifelong fear of abandonment
began very early, and, for many years,
caused me to abandon my own heart.
On the outside I clowned and presented an optimistic persona -
Inside I believed myself to be unloved and therefore unloveable ~
a heart-breaking emotional journey.
Fifty years ago I copied this poem by Archibald MacLeish - in my journal:
"To you is left your life ~
gigantic, confused,
full of fears ~
changing by turns
from stones to stars!"
So Isn't it amazing that after such unpromising beginnings
one discovers unexpected joy?
When I finally found deep heart connections
with other loving people - my heart was healed.
* * *
A few weeks ago we celebrated the life and work
of Jungian analyst Marion Woodman - who meant so
much to us - who taught us love
I basked in the presence of many beloved friends ~
We sang Marion's favorite songs together ~
HOW WONDERFUL
HOW UNEXPECTED
WHAT A SUBLIME GIFT
TO LOVE AND BE LOVED
DANCING - so full of life!