Mark Dohle

Puzzle

September 19, 2010 |  22 comments
Image Credit: sxc.hu I often don’t feel real. Especially in my writings, for the flow of thoughts that appear and are expressed seem to have a life of their own. Are they speaking for me? Are they just idealistic ramblings; something I suppose easy to do? Is there any real root in me, for I often feel like a puzzle with its pieces scattered over a very broad table and my writings a way to seek to find some coherence to my journey, both inward and outward, which of course are one and the same.

I think Carl Jung, was right about how certain archetypal patterns can take hold of people in many different ways and it becomes a theme in their lives. The main central point in which they throw almost all of their energies into, a true way of life, at times seemingly compelled. For some it is some kind of intellectual quest, others they become fighters of a cause, or become scientist, philosophers, doctors, policemen, firemen, artist, or lawyers; the list perhaps is endless. It could be construed that they were born for the path they are on. Within that path all other archetypal patterns are also lived out, but as a secondary, though an important part of their lives. In fact the secondary pattern is most likely just as important as the first.

I doubt any one path through life is better than another, if the trail chosen is done well and leads to a life that makes this world a better place. However there is always the undertow beneath any gift and if that takes over, well serious problems will evolve that can be a cause of suffering for everyone involved. Most people struggle with this inner tension well, but not all. Some don’t seem to have the ability to see below the surface on this certain point and they suffer greatly from it.

When people think of archetypes they tend to be black and white ways of thinking. For instance; good cop/bad cop, no in-between, when in real life most policemen are a mixture, like in any other profession or way of life. Over identification with a personal archetype can lead to problems since it makes it impossible to integrate other archetypical patterns into ones life.

Let’s take a therapist, who is good at his job, but can’t put it aside when dealing with his family. He becomes a therapist for them instead of a father and husband. Which can lead to serious marital problems, since communication is one way and the others could feel discounted; he fails to be a father. The list is long and the pain and suffering caused by this kind of thinking is wide spread. Policemen who stay in the same mode when they come home can rarely lead to a loving household. Being a minister or a lawyer, all of these archetypes, can cause havoc if they assume to be ones actual true identity. Perhaps the one that does the most harm is ‘what it means to be a true man or a woman’ archetypal pattern that can override all others.

True identity (?); there are times when that thought sends a chill through me. Is my, ‘whom-ever-I-am”, there amidst the scattered pieces of puzzle that I can’t seem to put together? Or is the trying to put them in place just another illusion controlled by another darker archetypal pattern? The idea of being all together, with it, wise, knowing, holy, is it another false trail? What if that is all bull shit, a smoke screen…..something from keeping me from the freedom that I seek.

Self absorption is no help, for it can lead to a very deep kind of well meaning narcissism, leading only to deeper isolation and frustration. What about self forgetfulness? Is that the way to go? Perhaps the puzzle pieces come together when I just seek to live in simplicity and trust; a kind of ‘integrated unawares’ manner of thing. Perhaps that is one of the insights that the saying ‘death to self’, really means. In the end perhaps it is all about love, agape, and in living from that, our life’s path really does make the world a better place to live in.

Caring for others, when done freely, is perhaps a pattern that we are all called to live, no matter what the life path. In caring we discover something deeper than a life calling, but something better. The ability to see others as another self and simply treating others the way we each want to be treated. This can only be developed by a life of self reflection, the actual discovery that out inner selves also need attention and time. If not, well we will be controlled by it. Rapid mood swings, anxiety, depression, anger and resentments can be feed by our inner self trying to get our attention. Cycles can only be broken or lessened in their affect, by growing in self knowledge; a difficult path. However no near as difficult if one doesn’t.

I am not being simplistic here. For many suffer mental illness and perhaps can do nothing about that and they need our compassion. However, for the majority it is very possible. Being a Christian I will have my own way of doing that. Others will have to develop or find their own path. Life is about that I think; finding that path.

One day, perhaps, the last piece of the puzzle will fall into place, then I won't have to write anymore, of course I may also be dead. perhaps that last section is saved for last. I am not sure why people write, I just do it because I really don't get it.....yet......[!gad]I often don’t feel real. Especially in my writings, for the flow of thoughts that appear and are expressed seem to have a life of their own. Are they speaking for me? Are they just idealistic ramblings; something I suppose easy to do? Is there any real root in me, for I often feel like a puzzle with its pieces scattered over a very broad table and my writings a way to seek to find some coherence to my journey, both inward and outward, which of course are one and the same.

I think Carl Jung, was right about how certain archetypal patterns can take hold of people in many different ways and it becomes a theme in their lives. The main central point in which they throw almost all of their energies into, a true way of life, at times seemingly compelled. For some it is some kind of intellectual quest, others they become fighters of a cause, or become scientist, philosophers, doctors, policemen, firemen, artist, or lawyers; the list perhaps is endless. It could be construed that they were born for the path they are on. Within that path all other archetypal patterns are also lived out, but as a secondary, though an important part of their lives. In fact the secondary pattern is most likely just as important as the first.

I doubt any one path through life is better than another, if the trail chosen is done well and leads to a life that makes this world a better place. However there is always the undertow beneath any gift and if that takes over, well serious problems will evolve that can be a cause of suffering for everyone involved. Most people struggle with this inner tension well, but not all. Some don’t seem to have the ability to see below the surface on this certain point and they suffer greatly from it.

When people think of archetypes they tend to be black and white ways of thinking. For instance; good cop/bad cop, no in-between, when in real life most policemen are a mixture, like in any other profession or way of life. Over identification with a personal archetype can lead to problems since it makes it impossible to integrate other archetypical patterns into ones life.

Let’s take a therapist, who is good at his job, but can’t put it aside when dealing with his family. He becomes a therapist for them instead of a father and husband. Which can lead to serious marital problems, since communication is one way and the others could feel discounted; he fails to be a father. The list is long and the pain and suffering caused by this kind of thinking is wide spread. Policemen who stay in the same mode when they come home can rarely lead to a loving household. Being a minister or a lawyer, all of these archetypes, can cause havoc if they assume to be ones actual true identity. Perhaps the one that does the most harm is ‘what it means to be a true man or a woman’ archetypal pattern that can override all others.

True identity (?); there are times when that thought sends a chill through me. Is my, ‘whom-ever-I-am”, there amidst the scattered pieces of puzzle that I can’t seem to put together? Or is the trying to put them in place just another illusion controlled by another darker archetypal pattern? The idea of being all together, with it, wise, knowing, holy, is it another false trail? What if that is all bull shit, a smoke screen…..something from keeping me from the freedom that I seek.

Self absorption is no help, for it can lead to a very deep kind of well meaning narcissism, leading only to deeper isolation and frustration. What about self forgetfulness? Is that the way to go? Perhaps the puzzle pieces come together when I just seek to live in simplicity and trust; a kind of ‘integrated unawares’ manner of thing. Perhaps that is one of the insights that the saying ‘death to self’, really means. In the end perhaps it is all about love, agape, and in living from that, our life’s path really does make the world a better place to live in.

Caring for others, when done freely, is perhaps a pattern that we are all called to live, no matter what the life path. In caring we discover something deeper than a life calling, but something better. The ability to see others as another self and simply treating others the way we each want to be treated. This can only be developed by a life of self reflection, the actual discovery that out inner selves also need attention and time. If not, well we will be controlled by it. Rapid mood swings, anxiety, depression, anger and resentments can be feed by our inner self trying to get our attention. Cycles can only be broken or lessened in their affect, by growing in self knowledge; a difficult path. However no near as difficult if one doesn’t.

I am not being simplistic here. For many suffer mental illness and perhaps can do nothing about that and they need our compassion. However, for the majority it is very possible. Being a Christian I will have my own way of doing that. Others will have to develop or find their own path. Life is about that I think; finding that path.

One day, perhaps, the last piece of the puzzle will fall into place, then I won't have to write anymore, of course I may also be dead. perhaps that last section is saved for last. I am not sure why people write, I just do it because I really don't get it.....yet...... Comments (22)

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