A MUSING

The older I grow, the more it seems to me there is a scheduler working behind the scenes to arrange events into an orderly pattern.  The image that comes to me is that of iron filings moving into a beautiful symmetrical pattern as a magnet is brought near.  Too near and without some protective layer between them and the magnet, the filings lose all shape and merely jump onto the magnet in chaos.  So it seems for us and the events of our lives in relation to the magnetic power that operates behind a thin separating layer.   Only when we have amassed a great number of disparate and seemingly unrelated bits as well as an ability to view those bits somewhat dispassionately, can we discern the developing pattern.  And a beautiful pattern it is!

A problem I have had with religious dogma for a very long time is that it provides a pattern that may or may not fit our own lives.  Fixated on dogma, we may be in danger of missing what is our own uniqueness.  When the dogma fits, all is well.  When it does not, my guess is the process of alignment goes on unconsciously so that we never see it and, hence, cannot learn to cooperate with it.

The I CHING puts it this way (paraphrased):  One must find one's way in the skein of being.

2015 JUNG IN THE HEARTLAND CONFERENCE - "THE ALTAR OF THE EARTH"

THE FOURTH EVENT - REGISTER EARLY! 2015 Jung in the Heartland Conference Speakers and Program Set: “The Altar of the Earth” at King’s House Retreat Center  - Registration is now open - Click here for details and to take advantage of Early Bird pricing!        The 2015 conference, “Jung in the Heartland: The Altar of the Earth,” will include three outstanding speakers. Monika Wikman will return, augmented by Belden Lane, an expert in green theology, and Mary Ryan, a psychotherapist who is familiar to many members for her engaging presentations. The conference will be held September 10-13 at King’s House Retreat Center, in Belleville, IL. The return to this location again offers comfortable spaces, private rooms, excellent meals, and the opportunity for establishing community.      Monika Wikman, Ph.D., is a Jungian analyst and astrologer who lives near Santa Fe. She is the author of Pregnant Darkness, in which she shows readers that the best way to cope with their darkest times is by fostering a connection to the deeper current of life. Among her conference topics are “Open Your Eyes and Arrive in the World” and “Emily Carr: the Light in Nature.”      Belden C. Lane, Ph.D., was Professor of Theological Studies, American Religion, and History of Spirituality at Saint Louis University, now retired, and is the author of four books. A theologian, he once found himself delightfully introduced as a Presbyterian minister teaching at a Roman Catholic university telling Jewish stories at the Vedanta Society. His latest book is Backpacking with the Saints. He is also the author of The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality. Dr. Lane’s conference topics include The Four Elements in Life Stages” and “First Great Conversations.”      Mary Ryan, M.S., has been a psychotherapist for nearly 30 years with a private practice in Springfield, IL and Jacksonville, IL. She is an adjunct professor at Benedictine University and faculty member for the Academy of Addiction Treatment Professionals. One of her conference topics will be “What’s on Your Altar?”      Jung Society essay contest winners on the topic, “Honoring the Altar of the Earth,” will be invited to read their work at a Saturday evening author’s night reception. Further information on the conference program and cost will be available in the Spring.       Early bird conference rates will apply until July 8. Participants must be members of the C.G. Jung Society of St. Louis at the time of the conference in order to enjoy Friends’ lower registration rate.