Discussion post I submitted for my Atlantic University TP5015 Course – December 13, 2019
As you have navigated this course, have you embraced and enhanced these qualities in yourself?
I am more aware of my intuition and have utilized my gifts to problem solve and tackle life’s challenges since undertaking TP5015. Where I may have discounted thoughts that “popped” into my head previously, I’ve tried to be more conscious of them and to decipher what they suggest. As I said to one of my kids as recently as last night, “pay attention to the first thought that pops into your head, it’s usually right.”
Also, when I’ve come across studies both within the two AU classes I’m currently enrolled and especially in ones outside of these courses, I’ve sought to put myself in the researchers’ shoes to see where they’re coming from, even it’s a quantitative study. I’ve thought about what might have possessed them to pursue such a line of inquiry and their motive behind the work. Of course, examining their agenda is also a valuable tool to apply as well to anything you come across these days!
How has your understanding and vision of research in transpersonal psychology and/or leadership studies been expanded and changed, if at all?
I’ve found the approach to research very refreshing. As I’ve learned more and more about transpersonal psychology, and it’s placement within the overall field of psychology, I’ve encountered many transpersonal psychologists who try to distance themselves from the more esoteric types of subjects, and when it comes to research, they want to tow the same line as the purely skeptical empirical scientists. This in part stems from their desire to be accepted by the dominant “science” that underpins the more traditional field of psychology. In other words, they are well aware of the knocks against transpersonal psychology as being “out there,” and they desire to make it more like “normal” psychology.
The approach to the research I encountered in this course, while still maintaining strict protocol and similar scientific methodologies, warmly embraces topics like NDE, spirit guides, and other subjects normally ignored by other psychologists. Also, the use of intuition and other levels of consciousness, as well as incorporating information that comes from “beyond” is welcomed into the studies, and by doing so, it greatly increases and enhances the potential data.
Do you envision yourself doing research in the future? If not, why? If so, then what?
I plan to complete a Culminating Project, most likely next fall. Part of the inspiration for my research project proposal topic of “spirit guides” arose from my interaction with psychics both locally at the Spiritualist Church I’ve started attending as well as through the Arthur Findlay College program I participated in and the weekend A.R.E. psychic conference I attended in November.
So, I’m confident that I’d like to pursue a Culminating Project that involves the psychic participants I covered in my research proposal. I plan to interview several both in the U.S. and in the U.K. when I’m over there next September celebrating an anniversary event of a couple I’m close. What the ultimate topic will be and whether it includes synchronicities as well as spirit guides is to be determined. I’m guessing that once I interview psychic participants, other topics will emerge. Also, I plan to film them and produce a video, so that too will help drive the ultimate research topic.
Beyond this master’s, I’m sure research will be apart of what I ultimately do with the degree. I started out as a political researcher when I first entered the workforce in the mid-1980s, and it’s been a staple of whatever job I’ve had ever since. I’m grateful for the expanded view and skillsets that I discovered as part of this course.
What is your transformative vision for the world?
Carl Jung suggests that our goal as humans is what he calls the process of individuation. He says, “Individuation answers the question, who are you, beneath all of your social roles and responsibilities? If you took off the ‘masks’, or personas, that you hide behind?” As I contemplate my own spiritual journey and assess where I’m heading, I’m inspired by Jung’s concept of individualization, and it makes sense that such a process done by enough people will transform the world.
The irony is that this “transformative vision” is about highlighting and accepting individuals and cultural differences as we seek to live in greater harmony and unity. To this point, Jung adds “Individuation is the one-ment with oneself and at the same time with humanity, since oneself is a part of humanity”. It seems counterintuitive and it goes against the grain of many of the political, social, and cause-oriented movements of our time. A website that examined Jung’s philosophy of individualization explains, however, that “We essentially ‘crucify’ our ego, and by becoming more accepting of ourselves become more accepting of others.”
So my transformative vision of the word is for people to embrace their differences, to continue their personal quest in discovering who they truly are and who they are meant to be. In doing so, we’ll all grow in the ability to accept people where they happen to be along their personal path of life.
References
Jacobsen, S. (22 March 2018), “What is Individuation? Carl Jung and the journey of self,” Harley Therapy Counseling Blog, retrieved from https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/what-is-individuation-carl-jung.htm