Thank you for articulating the crucial distinction between the ego's rumination and true spiritual insight. The work of separating ego's thoughts and its incessant desires for all manner of superfluous recognition and self-righteousness seems to be a life-long process. The more consciousness I bring to it, the more insidious the ego can become--like it is trying to slither in undetected. It seems to take a tremendous amount of continual presence and willingness to face our own shadows.
As I read and laughed and nodded, I kept thinking "I want to quote this line when I share" but then along came the next line and the next. There's no point in quoting. This article demands to be read the way the darkened room calls for a candle. The way you distinguished the ego's daydream from the soul's creative presence was so beautiful and accurate and hilarious in your accustomed fashion. As I was thinking about the distinction you mentioned, I relate most to that state when I'm practicing hypnotherapy. I know I'm in the imaginal realm and I often end up leading people in places I never knew before. This week I thought I was leading someone into the deep dark woods to face and heal trauma but we ended up in an ancient forest where there was so much peace and deep truth and no separation between the person in the wood and the wood itself. It was so sacred. I told the client this was a new place for me and they were surprised, assuming I went there all the time. But that's the think about the imaginal. It's always new. Thank you for this post. I loved it so much.
Ah, yes, that voice that's constantly explaining, litigating, re-constructing.... I call that the Narrative Voice, and mostly I just try to say, "Thanks for sharing, could you tone it down, please?" when it tries to take over. Setting it at arm's length seems to help. "Ego got a Canva account," - brilliant!!
Fantasy as escape whereas imaginal thinking in based in presence. No bonus points for checking out. That's the ego saying enough! Better to show up and wait. It's what I need to hear. Great piece - inspirational and practical.
Wonderful post! Helpful, inspiring, funny. I especially appreciated this: "This is why some writing feels technically polished but spiritually empty. The sentences are dressed nicely, but no one is home. Meanwhile, another piece may be simple, even plain, but it has weight. It has silence inside it. It came through someone who was actually there."
I've always thought less of my writing, because I don't feel like it's beautifully polished, but it's authentic, simple, honest, and has weight. I appreciated this reminder.
As a lifetime daydream addict, I appreciate this teaching: the subtle but illuminating difference between fantasy & the imaginal. Gently helpful, yet brutal.⚡️(Brother V, how did you get so smart?!)
This is like i asked you a question but don’t remember it & you pushed that tender laugh button like you always do while at the same time massaging the part of me that is too tense tight overwhelmed & I end up cackling & melting like the wicked witch of the west all at the same time (her sister was too goody-2-shoes for me). That addled brain struggling to stop being afraid of MRI’s showing scary shit leaves the room (or at least hides under the bed) & what’s left is unknown territory letting me breathe deeply & just let someone else steer the plane (Magdalene would be my choice, not enuf female pilots). Course correct extremely appreciated as absorption begins. 🛬👩🏽✈️🛫
What's your take on Active Imagination by Jung? As an aside, I like arguing with Pastor Chad of the Church of Lightly Baptized Rage because "I" always win! 😆😬😎
This is brilliant! So much wisdom in this piece and the humour - I laughed so much. I am definitely keeping this and re-reading. Thank you!
Me too, Michele - such great writing and wisdom 🙏🏼
Thank you for articulating the crucial distinction between the ego's rumination and true spiritual insight. The work of separating ego's thoughts and its incessant desires for all manner of superfluous recognition and self-righteousness seems to be a life-long process. The more consciousness I bring to it, the more insidious the ego can become--like it is trying to slither in undetected. It seems to take a tremendous amount of continual presence and willingness to face our own shadows.
As I read and laughed and nodded, I kept thinking "I want to quote this line when I share" but then along came the next line and the next. There's no point in quoting. This article demands to be read the way the darkened room calls for a candle. The way you distinguished the ego's daydream from the soul's creative presence was so beautiful and accurate and hilarious in your accustomed fashion. As I was thinking about the distinction you mentioned, I relate most to that state when I'm practicing hypnotherapy. I know I'm in the imaginal realm and I often end up leading people in places I never knew before. This week I thought I was leading someone into the deep dark woods to face and heal trauma but we ended up in an ancient forest where there was so much peace and deep truth and no separation between the person in the wood and the wood itself. It was so sacred. I told the client this was a new place for me and they were surprised, assuming I went there all the time. But that's the think about the imaginal. It's always new. Thank you for this post. I loved it so much.
Ah, yes, that voice that's constantly explaining, litigating, re-constructing.... I call that the Narrative Voice, and mostly I just try to say, "Thanks for sharing, could you tone it down, please?" when it tries to take over. Setting it at arm's length seems to help. "Ego got a Canva account," - brilliant!!
WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY “But most daydreaming is not creative. It is reactive.” 😱
This is the best explanation of what the imaginal is. Thank you! I appreciate your explanation of why meditation is different than daydreaming.
Fantasy as escape whereas imaginal thinking in based in presence. No bonus points for checking out. That's the ego saying enough! Better to show up and wait. It's what I need to hear. Great piece - inspirational and practical.
Wonderful post! Helpful, inspiring, funny. I especially appreciated this: "This is why some writing feels technically polished but spiritually empty. The sentences are dressed nicely, but no one is home. Meanwhile, another piece may be simple, even plain, but it has weight. It has silence inside it. It came through someone who was actually there."
I've always thought less of my writing, because I don't feel like it's beautifully polished, but it's authentic, simple, honest, and has weight. I appreciated this reminder.
As a lifetime daydream addict, I appreciate this teaching: the subtle but illuminating difference between fantasy & the imaginal. Gently helpful, yet brutal.⚡️(Brother V, how did you get so smart?!)
This is like i asked you a question but don’t remember it & you pushed that tender laugh button like you always do while at the same time massaging the part of me that is too tense tight overwhelmed & I end up cackling & melting like the wicked witch of the west all at the same time (her sister was too goody-2-shoes for me). That addled brain struggling to stop being afraid of MRI’s showing scary shit leaves the room (or at least hides under the bed) & what’s left is unknown territory letting me breathe deeply & just let someone else steer the plane (Magdalene would be my choice, not enuf female pilots). Course correct extremely appreciated as absorption begins. 🛬👩🏽✈️🛫
What's your take on Active Imagination by Jung? As an aside, I like arguing with Pastor Chad of the Church of Lightly Baptized Rage because "I" always win! 😆😬😎
Probably. Pessoa contained enough inner people to form a small mystical city council.
But Virgin Monk Boy would still ask whether the daydream is opening the soul or just giving the ego better wallpaper.