Psychosynthesis

A deep psychology that reveals the inner processes of human development, self-realisation and self-actualisation.

What is Psychosynthesis?

'Psychosynthesis is a method of psychological development and self realization for those who refuse to remain the slave of their own inner phantasms or of external influences, who refuse to submit passively to the play of psychological forces which is going on within them, and who are determined to become the master of their own lives'. Roberto Assagioli

If, as we pursue self-knowledge in the right way (avoiding the danger of losing oneself in a labyrinth of endless investigations), we become aware that within us there are many more or less conscious aspects, roles and attitudes with which we from time to time identify ourselves, to the point of forgetting or repressing the rest of our personality.

When we are identifying this way with one single part of ourselves, we become ruled by it, we are enslaved by an illusion. For example we have all seen someone dominated by anxiety or depression, or by a prejudice, or by ambition, and we have all felt ourselves at times to be prisoners of oppressive psychological patterns which appeared to be beyond our control.

Such identification is a universal process which can be reversed only by its opposite: disidentification, an attitude whereby we consciously detach ourselves from all the various aspects of our personality, thus allowing ourselves to discover our true ‘I’, our centre. This experience of being centred gives us a clear impression of inner freedom, helps us to perceive who we really are, and opens innumerable psychological possibilities; and so it evokes joy.

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The following are extracts from a talk by Diana Whitmore at the 2003 SEAL Conference at Keele University.

What is a spiritual person ?
When you observe a spiritual person you see a personality that is fairly well integrated, it feels centred and comfortable that it doesn't have all the answers to life's problems. Relationships are important to them and they respect the uniqueness of the individual, not wanting to cause any harm. They seem to have a strong sense of purpose and are authentic in that they live their values. They are naturally inquisitive, asking 'why' and 'what if' questions to gain understanding and like to reflect on fundamental answers.

Spiritual people have a clear sense of who they are and what it means to be a spirit in a human body. They want to give love and support to others, to overcome any differences and feel connected. They have an overriding belief that what they experience as human beings in not the truth. Life is therefore an adventure for gaining diverse experiences, and of detachment, being able to accept or reject things easily - just trying them on for size. The map is not the territory so there is no substitute for direct experience.

A spiritual person knows that pain and suffering are part of life and must be endured, and do not feelthey are victims. They have the capacity to look suffering in the face. This is because life is seen as a journey and paradox is the very nature of the universe, so there will always be uncertainty and unknowing. As a result, there is always the potential for transformation in a world of infinite possibilities. They appreciate the opportunities offered by a dynamic tension between what we are and what we can become as individuals and as a collection of spirits.

Why do so many of us feel spiritually numb ?
All of us have deep seated need to be seen and received as a soul. We feel cut off and sad. It's feels like homesickness, we long for things to be perfect for us. As souls we need to be nourished, recognised and appreciated by those around us. If this doesn't happen we feel wounded and rejected. We then compensate by seeking recognition for our abilities as humans, not our uniqueness as spirits. This is an illusion and we hide our spiritual wounds in our addictions. The answer is being willing to 'see' ourselves and others as souls, each with our own unique spiritual purpose. We can discover more about our souls by understanding our spiritual archetypes. Many of us have fundamental fears of becoming a spiritual person.

For example:

Fear of Responsibility - forces us to repress our spiritual selves as we no longer have any excuses for our behaviour - this can be overwhelming.
Fear of Losing Individuality - being called on to surrender my sense of self
Fear of Misusing Power - knowing what it is to be a victim of power
Fear of Losing our safe and comfortable lives - giving up our old values
Fear of Being on the wrong track - being ridiculed and rejected
Fear of Inedequacy and failure - not finding who I am

We can put in place a number of defence mechanisms. For example, projecting our fears on to others, arguing that spirituality is unachievable for us because others had advantages we didn't. We may have had spiritual experiences in the past that we have walked away from or denied, or feel that spirituality is for innocent children. If we join a religious group we can find our spirits killed off by dogma and bureaucracy.

How can you grow your spirituality ?
One way is to use metaphors to get us out of our boxes.

The School of Life
We focus on learning from experience, believing that where we are now is where we are meant to be and don't need to have any more than what you already have. Obstacles and mistakes are lessons to learn from, so we conspire with the inevitable.

Life is a Journey
Our lives are constantly unfolding. They have purposes and challenges to meet that are not accidental and will lead us to greater fulfilment.

Behind every feeling is a need
It is always worth reflecting on the idea that behind strong feelings are needs. For example, behind rage may be a desire for justice, behind depression maybe a yearning for soul, behind guilt may be the value of truth and loyalty. You might want to explore the article on the website that explores the Sedona Method

Symptom as Symbol
When a behaviour presents itself, ask what the behaviour is doing for you, what need is being fulfilled. Perhaps you are longing to surrender to a higher power. Look for ways in which you can achieve the same thing in a spiritual rather than a human way.

Soul as Friend or Fiend
Sometimes you will find yourself in the shadows. When we deny who we are we face a formidable opponent. The spiritual realm is not only evolutionary it's also revolutionary. You souls will keep on knocking on the door until you let them into your heart.

Plutonic Approval
Every problem or difficulty has to be seen as a distortion of something higher. It appears unrefined at first, but you allow it to get distorted so it can grow - even when they appear negative.There is scope for self-affirmations.