Spirit First, Choosing a Human Experience…
We are spiritual beings first, choosing to experience life in the form of a human body. Every day, our thoughts and beliefs shape not only how we see the world, but also how we interact with it—a concept James Hillman reminds us reflects the soul’s active role in coloring our experience (Hillman, 1996).
Spirit First
Our inner life is not created in isolation; it is continuously mirrored back to us through our interactions. When we cling to the notion of separateness—the idea of “us” versus “the Other”—we end up projecting the disowned parts of ourselves onto those around us. As Marie von Franz has pointed out, such projections are the unconscious ways in which our unacknowledged traits emerge, urging us to see and accept the fullness of our being (von Franz, 1974).
From a Jungian perspective, the various personas we adopt help us navigate social expectations and our ever-changing self-image. Robert Johnson emphasizes that while these masks serve a purpose, over-identification with them can obscure our deeper, authentic self. The shadow—the aspects we deny or repress—finds expression in our relationships, manifesting as judgments or conflicts. Recognizing and integrating these projections is key to transforming them into self-awareness and compassion (Johnson, 1987).
Even when we encounter others whose lives appear entirely different from our own, a closer look reveals a universal human experience. Life offers us similar lessons—whether through hardship or fortune—in diverse cultural and personal packages. Beneath external differences, the core emotions of joy, sorrow, love, and loss bind us together.
Ultimately, while our unique circumstances shape our paths, the visible world only hints at the deeper, ongoing evolution of each soul. Engaging with those who seem different allows us to pierce the veil of separation and discover a shared essence. As Hillman, von Franz, and Johnson collectively remind us, beneath all our individual “packaging” lies a divine spark—an eternal spirit seeking growth, love, and wholeness.
From my pending workbook: Daily Connections: Journal Writing to Balance Ego and Soul
Exercise: Discovering Your Divine Connection and Embodying Peace
Centering Your Spirit:
Begin by finding a quiet space where you feel safe and at ease. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in light and possibility. As you breathe out, let go of tension and doubt.
Prompt: Write about the sensations and thoughts that arise as you take these mindful breaths. What images or feelings emerge when you imagine this inner light?
Connecting with Your Divine Source:
Reflect on the idea that you are a spiritual being, intrinsically connected to a boundless source of divinity. Visualize this source as an expansive, loving presence that permeates all of existence.
Prompt: Describe this divine source in your own words. How does it manifest for you? What qualities (love, wisdom, strength, etc.) do you associate with this sacred energy? Be playful. Find the memory of before the before . . .
Expanding Your Awareness:
Consider how this connection extends beyond the self, linking you to the vast tapestry of life. Reflect on the ways this expansive connection influences your perspective on relationships, nature, and the universe.
Prompt: Write about a moment when you felt deeply connected to something larger than yourself. How did that experience shape your understanding of interconnectedness? Remembering a time in Nature, when you felt an instant of pure connection to something larger than yourself, is often the place to start writing.
Embodying Divinity:
Transition from the realm of the spirit into the physical body. Explore how you can invite this divine connection into your everyday physical experience to cultivate security and peace.
Prompt: There are two exercises here to explore:
Mindful Self-Compassion Meditation:
Set aside a few moments each day to sit in stillness and connect with your inner self. As you focus on your breath, offer gentle affirmations such as "I am worthy of love" or "I embrace my divine essence" to nurture self-compassion. This practice helps anchor the expansive connection you feel with your spirit into your physical being, reminding you that caring for yourself is a sacred act.
Gentle Embodied Movement with Compassion: Engage in activities like yoga or slow, mindful stretching where you can move your body with tenderness and respect. As you move, pay attention to the sensations in your muscles and joints, and speak kindly to yourself—acknowledge any tension or discomfort with understanding rather than judgment. This mindful movement not only grounds your divine connection into the body but also reinforces a compassionate relationship with your physical self.
Integration and Reflection:
Conclude your entry by merging these reflections. Consider how the journey from spiritual connection to embodied security supports your overall well-being.
Prompt: Write a final reflection on the ways in which embracing your divine source has transformed or could transform your daily life. What small steps can you take to nurture this connection and bring lasting peace into your body and mind?
Remember: Use these guiding questions to explore and articulate your inner journey. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, trusting that every insight brings you closer to the divine essence that resides within you. Don’t second guess or judge, this is not about making sense or listening to logic. The Ego will always show up with doubt, questions, and try to protect you from any new forms of dissonance. Just stay in this liminal space of wonder, inquiry, this place of grace and connection with Soul.