DOCSLIB.ORG

The Group for Creative Meditation

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

The Group for Creative Meditation – Another Roberto Assagioli Legacy When we meditate on these great themes we are joining on inner levels with others working for the same purpose. All know the added power of concerted group action, and realisation that we are part of a great meditating, subjectively building group counteracts the tendency of the isolated individual to feel ineffective, or become the victim of anxiety, negativity and even despair. The sense of isolation is, in fact, artifcial; we all participate consciously or unconsciously and willingly or unwillingly! – in the life of the whole of humanity, and even more so in the Life of the Universe. The more we recognise this and tune in to and work with the laws of the larger Life, the more serene and effective we become, and one of the most practical steps in this direction is creative meditation. Roberto Assagioli – The Group for Creative Meditation, Series © SDH Group ‘Meditation is a journey into inner space.’ Dr. Roberto Assagioli – the father of psychosynthesis “. the word ‘spiritual’ has nothing to do with the use of the word as the orthodox religions use it, except in so far as the religious expression is a part of the general spirituality of mankind. Everything is spiritual which tends towards understanding, towards kindness, towards that which is productive of beauty and which can lead man on to a fuller expression of his divine potentialities.” The Group for Creative Meditation Contents A letter to the Reader. 2 From the Past – The Group for Creative Meditation – Its History . 3 For The Present – The Nature and Practice of Meditation – Q & A’s with R.A. ......................... 7 The Important Role of Creative Meditation – R.A. .......................... 10 Into the Future – The International Association of Creative Meditation ........................ 14 An Invitation to fnd out more . 15 1 June 2012 Dear Reader We are delighted that you are taking the time to explore the contents of this booklet that has come into your possession today. Roberto Assagioli, as you may know, is recognised as the father of psychosynthesis and this soul infusing psychology has come to be a highly regarded experiential guide to self- realisation. Psychosynthesis facilitates personal development that enables the individual to harness their innate potential with purpose and vitality. This well known body of work is part of the Roberto Assagioli legacy. However, the contents of this booklet are designed to give you a glimpse of another legacy that Roberto has gifted to the present day seeker after truth. This body of work is known as The Group for Creative Meditation. It is still available today as a service activity for those it appeals to, as it serves not only the individual but also their environment locally and globally. This group for creative meditation enables the individual to introduce the sacred act of service into their daily lives. In this way, both individually and as part of a subjective group, each of us participates in and contributes to the building of a more positive now and a more constructive tomorrow where the core values of the soul guide and infuence society. We share the papers and articles in this booklet with you with no other intention than to bring you news of another line of work that was very dear to Roberto Assagioli’s heart. If the contents of this booklet do not resonate with you, do not feel compelled to make them your own truth. Just set them aside and note this as a curious sharing. If, however, the contents of the pages resonate and call you to explore further, then do so with a joyful and sceptical inquisitiveness. We wish you well in your forthcoming adventures of discovery wherever they may lead. Kind regards and all good wishes Michael Lindfeld Janet A. Derwent Marina Bernardi Meditation Groups Inc. Sundial House Group & The Community of Living Ethics Meditation Mount, US The International Group for Italy Creative Meditation, UK 2 ‘From the past, for the present, into the future and Eternity.’ ‘From the past, for the present, into the future and Eternity.’ TheThe foresight foresight of of Roberto Roberto Assagioli Assagioli can can be beseen seen within within the the aims aims and and objectives objectivesof psychosynthesis. of psychosynthesis. However, However, at the same at thetime same that thistime soul-infusing-psychology that this soul-infusing- was gifted psychologyto the world was another gifted to body the world of Roberto another Assagioli’sbody of Roberto work Assagioli’swas also takingwork was form. also The following takingsection form. of Thethis followingbooklet sectionseeks ofto thisgive booklet a favour seeks of to the give origins a flavour of ofthis the legacy origins ofknown as The thisGroup legacy for Creativeknown as Meditation, The Group which for Creativeis the spiritual Meditation, companion which tois psychosynthesis.the spiritual companion to psychosynthesis. TheThe Foundation Foundation of the of Groupthe Group for Creat for iveCreative Meditation Meditation on the Laws on the& Laws & PrinciplesPrinciples of Everydayof Everyday Living Living – A Call – A to Call Service to Service Dr Roberto Assagioli is one of the pioneers in the realm of psychology Drand Roberto consciousness Assagioli expansion. is one of the His pioneers most famous in the contribution realm of psychology to andhuman consciousness understanding expansion. is psychosynthesis, His most a comprehensivefamous contribution approach to human understandingto self-realization is psychosynthesis,which combines a a convincingcomprehensive theory approachof human to self- realizationpsychology which with acombines practical therapya convincing which theoryfacilitates of humanthe achieving psychology of with a one’spractical full potential. therapy which facilitates the achieving of one’s full potential. However, Roberto Assagioli was also a student of Theosophy and the However,Ageless WisdomRoberto Teachings. Assagioli was He alsobecame a student a member of Theosophyof a Group and the Agelessworking Wisdomand studying Teachings. with Alice He A. becameBailey and a arisingmember out ofof thisa Group group working andwork studying he became with inspiredAlice A. to Bailey respond and to arisinga request out made of this within group the work he became inspired to Baileyrespond writings, to a requestin DINA IImade (Part XIVwithin pp the231-239). Bailey This writings, called studentsin DINA II (Part to establish a “united world group given to unanimous and simultaneous meditation upon the work XIV pp 231-239). This called students to establish a “united world group given to unanimous of preparing the world for the new order and for the jurisdiction of the Christ* [and] to establish the knowledgeand simultaneous of and the functioning meditation of those upon laws the and work principles of preparing which willthe controlworld thefor thecoming new era, order and the newfor civilizationthe jurisdiction and the of future the Christworld culture1 [and] …” to establish the knowledge of and the functioning of those laws and principles which will control the coming era, the new civilization and the Dr Robertofuture Assagioliworld culture is shown …” here in the grounds of the Arcane School Headquarters in Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent in 1949. Both Nancy Magor and Michal J. Eastcott were co-workers in the Tunbridge Dr Roberto Assagioli is shownWells here HQ inof thethe groundsArcane School of the at Arcane School Headquarters in Broadwaterthis time. Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent in 1949. Both Nancy Magor and Michal J. Eastcott were co-workers in the Tunbridge Wells HQ of the ArcaneIn May School during at thisthe time.early 1950’s Roberto Assagioli presented a paper at The Arcane School Conference in In MaySwitzerland during theby wayearly of making1950’s knownRoberto his intention to Assagiolirespond presented to this acall. paper He andat FosterThe Arcane Bailey worked very School closelyConference together in toSwitzerland anchor this by idea. way ofInitially Foster makingapproached known his selected intention co-workers to respond and toasked this if they would call. Hebe and willing Foster to work Bailey with workedRA to manifest very closely this project, together they allto anchor declined. However, when Foster asked Nancy Magor and this idea. Initially Foster approached selected co-workers and asked Michal Eastcott if they would be prepared to join RA in this if they wouldendeavour be willing they did to not work hesitate. with RA From to manifestthat request this grew project, a they all declined.life long However, friendship when and serviceFoster activityasked thatNancy has Magorresulted and in Michal MJE, RA and NM outside Royal Wells Inn in 1953 Eastcott the if Groupthey would for Creative be prepared Meditation to internationaljoin RA in this movement. endeavour they did not hesitate. From that request grew a life long friendship and * Within theMJE, Bailey RA andwritings NM ‘outsidethe jurisdiction service of the Christ’ activity is taken that to hasrefer toresulted the influencing in the Qualities Group of thefor higherCreative Self, also Meditation known asRoyal the SoulWells or Inn the in Christ1953 consciousnessinternational living within movement. the heart of each person that finds expression within the individuals thoughts , words and actions. 1 Within the Bailey writings ‘the jurisdiction of the Christ’ is taken to refer to the infuencing qualities of the higher Self, also known as the Soul or the Christ consciousness3 living within the heart of each person that fnds expression within the individual’s thoughts, words and actions. 3 Together, Roberto, Nancy and Michal, along with a growing team of others co-founded the Group for Creative Meditation. The preparation of the Group for Creative Meditation study papers2 was the frst project undertaken. The founding nucleus of international co-workers began working subjectively together on 21 December 1957. In a letter addressed to Foster Bailey in July of 1956 the emphasis to anchor the project now turned to recruiting co-workers to build the group magnetic feld and energise the work for then and into the future.
Recommended publications
  • Wynerfinal Dissertation

    Wynerfinal Dissertation

    THE WOUNDED HEALER: FINDING MEANING IN SUFFERING A dissertation submitted by GARRET B. WYNER, PH.D. to ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY SANTA BARBARA In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY in CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ___________________________________________ Juliet Rohde–Brown, Ph.D., Chair ___________________________________________ Sharleen O’Brian Dolan, Psy.D., Second Faculty ___________________________________________ Donna M. Orange, Ph.D., Psy.D., External Expert ___________________________________________ Kimberly D. Robbins, Psy.D., Student Reader ! ABSTRACT In modern history, no event has more profoundly symbolized suffering than the Holocaust. This novel “Husserlian-realist” phenomenological dissertation elucidates the meaning of existential trauma through an interdisciplinary and psychologically integrative vantage point. I use the testimony of a select group of Holocaust witnesses who committed suicide decades after that event as a lens to examine what their despair may reveal about an unprecedented existential, moral, and spiritual crisis of humanity that threatens to undermine our faith in human history and reality itself. By distinguishing what they actually saw about our condition from what they merely believed about reality, I show there is a reliable hope that can fulfill the highest reaches of human nature in the worst conditions. This I call a Psychotherapy of Hope. To this end, I provide a broad overview of the four main forces of psychotherapy to evaluate the role each plays in healing this crisis. I then provide an elucidation of empathic understanding within an “I/Thou” altruistic relationship having power to transform human personality. The primary barrier to personal transformation is shown to be no mere value-neutral indifference, but “cold” indifference or opposition to an objective good.
  • New Age and Neopagan Religions in America

    New Age and Neopagan Religions in America

    CHAPTER SEVEN The Age of Aquarius Although the idea of a New Age was popularized by Alice Bailey in the early twentieth century, the term had been around at least since the American Rev- olution before it was used self-consciously by Theosophists like her who be- lieved a “master” would come to enlighten humanity and usher us into a new age. The concept picked up relevance as the s counterculture looked to- ward the Age of Aquarius as a utopian future of peace and equality. Move- ments aimed at social and personal transformation that emerged or were given new meaning in the s continue to shape New Age and Neopagan religions. Ideas about the expected new era vary among Neopagans and New Agers, just as they ranged in the s from social revolution to com- munal escape from society. But most agree that it will include a changed dy- namic between men and women, healthy diet, holistic healing practices, and peacefulness. Along with and related to holistic healing and feminist restructuring, en- vironmentalist concerns are seen as key in bringing about the transformation of society. Many New Agers and Neopagans believe that an ecologically vi- able relationship to the natural world will characterize the future age, when humans will live more harmoniously on earth. Some also believe the earth it- self, a living being that has been ill used by humanity, will bring about cata- clysmic changes, while others expect a gradual dawning of enlightened con- sciousness among large numbers of people to usher in the New Age. Goddess religion will emerge from a “Great Purification,” claim some ob- servers, borrowing a phrase from Hopi prophecy: “Look at the freak weather phenomena all around us .
  • 1 Learning to See Reality As It Is

    1 Learning to See Reality As It Is

    1 LEARNING TO SEE REALITY AS IT IS “To see is to be free” (Sri Bhagavan) INTRODUCTION The second seed group of the New Group of World Servers (NGWS) is that of the Trained Observers. They have been given the task of achieving freedom from the world illusion and glamour through “right observation” and “right direction” of the light of the soul. With this liberation of the illusion and glamour of the astral plane this group will inaugurate the era of light. This group has one of the most difficult tasks, which is seeing and teaching others to see reality as it is, and therefore seeing through the illusion of the all pervading glamour which seems very real for humanity in its current state of consciousness. For this the esoteric sense has to be developed, which means the possession of a constant inner contact with the soul. To cultivate this esoteric sense, and to achieve the needed detachment from form, regular meditation is needed, by which the intuition will be developed. Developing the intuition and bringing it into activity will eventually lead to solutions of many problems humanity is faced with today. In this paper I will go into the problem of humanity of being stuck in the material reality perceived by the lower personality. And I will elaborate on the contribution of the Trained Observers in solving this problem by learning humanity to see reality as it is by developing the esoteric sense and the intuition through meditation. THE GLAMOUR OF MATERIALITY In another paper ‘Dissipation of the Glamour of Materiality’ I wrote that one of the most pervading and enveloping glamours for humanity is the glamour of materiality.
  • The General Principles of Alice Bailey's Esoteric Astrology

    The General Principles of Alice Bailey's Esoteric Astrology

    Spring 2019 The General Principles of Alice Bailey’s Esoteric Astrology Maureen Temple Richmond Abstract Introduction his essay penetrates behind the mass of uch interest in the esoteric astrological T information given by the Hierarchy in Al- M doctrine of Alice Bailey and the Tibetan ice Bailey’s Esoteric Astrology to identify the circulates in the metaphysical community to- core principles on which the system articulated day, and rightly so. As expounded in Esoteric in this volume is based. Synthesizing material Astrology and other of the Bailey works, this from Esoteric Astrology, the quintessential A system offers a stunningly enlightened alterna- Treatise on Cosmic Fire, and many more of tive to the sometimes trivial pronouncements the key Bailey works, this discussion points to of the astrological field in general. By contrast three distinct domains of knowledge central to to the treatments of dating and relationship the right comprehension of the esoteric astro- compatibility often featured in popular astrolo- logical doctrine of Alice Bailey: principles of gy, Bailey offers a view of human evolution causation, principles of energy dissemination, which plainly states that the individual can, if and principles of spiritual guidance. Sections willing, scale the heights of spiritual achieve- on each of the three domains detail the basis ment to walk among the stars and help cosmic for this assertion in the Bailey material. A sec- evolution onward. Yet, to do so, the individual tion on principles of causation explains that the needs must become a responsible receiver and basis of analysis in the discipline of esoteric distributor of energy impacts right here and astrology proceeds from the origin of all ener- now, amidst the affairs of life on planet Earth.
  • Psychosynthesis Quarterly June 2016

    Psychosynthesis Quarterly June 2016

    PSYCHOSYNTHESIS QUARTERLY The Digital Magazine of the Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis Volume 5 Number 2 June 2016 The Ubiquity of Self Psychosynthesis and Chaos Theory The Call of Self in Chronic Illness The Wall of Silence Dialogue, Continued Integrative Cancer Treatment and Psychosynthesis Bio-psychosynthesis Tapping into Our Children’s Intuition and Our Own The Third Awakening The Work That Reconnects and Psychosynthesis Remembering Sister Paul D’Ornellas and Deborah Smith Onken Supporting the Future of Psychosynthesis in North America Assagioli’s Freedom in Jail Published 1 Psychosynthesis Quarterly contents AAP News and Briefs 3 Editor: Jan Kuniholm The Ubiquity of Self—Yoav Dattilo 4 Assistant Editors: Audrey McMorrow, Walter Polt, and Douglas Russell Publication of Assagioli’s Freedom in Jail 17 Design and Production: IN MEMORIAM Sister Paul D’Ornellas 18 Jan Kuniholm, Walter Polt Psychosynthesis and Chaos Theory – Jan Kuniholm 19 Psychosynthesis Quarterly is published by The Call of Self in Chronic Illness – Dorothy Firman, EdD 21 AAP four times a year in March, June, September and December. Submission deadlines are February 7, The Wall of Silence Dialogue, Continued – Douglas Russell 29 May 7, August 7, and November 7. Integrative Cancer Treatment and Psychosynthesis – Send Announcements, Ideas, Reviews of Richard Schaub, PhD 31 Books and Events, Articles, Poetry, Art, IN MEMORIAM Deborah Smith Onken, PhD 35 Exercises, Photos, and Letters: Tell us what Bio-psychosynthesis – Kathryn Rone, MA 37 has helped your life and work, what can help others, and examples of psychosynthesis theory in action. Supporting the Future of Psychosynthesis Notice of Events should be 1500 words or less, and in North America – Dorothy Firman, EdD 42 articles should usually be 4500 words or less.
  • The Divine Plan

    The Divine Plan

    Gordon Herbert, September 2015 The Divine Plan There is a divine plan for our planet and for the role of humanity on it. Its source is in the divine councils of the universe, and it is implemented by the highest three kingdoms of Life on our planet.1 We humans have a role to play in cooperating with this plan to help bring about the ascension of the whole. Divine Purpose The ultimate purpose for humanity is unknown, as we are simply conscious cells within larger cosmic wholes. We would need to know the divine purpose of these many integrated “gods”, and hence of God Itself. However, masters and seers have suggested that the immediate purpose of our Planetary Logos is to create a planetary synthesis of all seven kingdoms of Life, with fully integrated systems, in order to bring about a tremendous solar revelation.2 This is the planetary equivalent of the integrated personality uniting with soul, freed of material attachments, and then uniting further with divine Will. In both human and planet this level of attainment is the fourth initiation of crucifixion and resurrection, marking the ascension out of one kingdom into the next, higher kingdom of Life.3 Cosmic beings cooperating with the will of the Planetary Logos manifest this process. They set the parameters of the Earth system to guide all aspects of planetary life, including the growth of human free will. Our will develops within the limits of their parameters, guided by karma, reincarnation and grace. It eventually leads, as a result of this learning, to a personal decision to unite with the will and purpose of the Planetary Logos, the Father, to be as one.
  • The Astral Body with Blavatsky's Principal of ‘Kama’ (Desire) and Called It the Emotional Body

    The Astral Body with Blavatsky's Principal of ‘Kama’ (Desire) and Called It the Emotional Body

    The Astral and Causal Bodies The first references to the Astral and Causal Bodies are found in the Upanishads the Ancient Philosophy of India. Historians have put the date of composition of the Upanishads to between 800 - 400 BC. The founder of Theosophy Helena Blavatsky also refers to the Astral and Causal Bodies. Theosophists C.W. Leadbeater and Annie Besant, equated the Astral Body with Blavatsky's principal of ‘Kama’ (desire) and called it the Emotional Body. The terms Astral Body, Desire Body, and Emotional Body have become synonymous. The Astral Body in later Theosophical writings is said to be ‘the vehicle of feelings and emotions’ through which ‘it is possible to experience all varieties of desire’. The Astral and Causal Bodies are also mentioned in the writings of Alice Bailey. Her books were written between 1919 and 1949. Her books were telepathically dictated to her by the Tibetan Master Djwal Khul. The texts describe him as a member of the 'Spiritual Hierarchy', or 'White Brotherhood', he is one of the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom, defined as the spiritual guides of mankind. Mandukya Upanishad The Mandukya Upanishad refers to the ‘Self’ (Soul) as having four "feet" or states of consciousness. These are - waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep, and the transcendent (Turiya). Each of these is associated with both an individual state of consciousness and a cosmic state. These four states of consciousness are linked to the four bodies – Physical, Astral, Causal and the Soul. Koshas According to Vedantic philosophy the Soul or Atma has five coverings or sheaths. These are called the Koshas.
  • The Coming of the New Age - Aquarius

    The Coming of the New Age - Aquarius

    THE COMING OF THE NEW AGE - AQUARIUS THE COMING OF THE NEW AGE AQUARIUS http://www.greatdreams.com/aquarius.htm (1 of 9) [4/8/2001 3:56:03 PM] THE COMING OF THE NEW AGE - AQUARIUS When the Moon is in the Seventh House, and Jupiter aligns with Mars Then peace shall guide the planets, and love will steer the stars This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius .... ****************** Harmony and understanding Sympathy and trust abounding No more forces of derision Golden living dreams of visions Mystic crystal revelations And the mind's true liberation AQUARIUS START CHART INTRODUCTION The Mythology and Associations: The ruler of Aquarius is Uranus. Its symbol represents water, a universal image which dates back into prehistory. This will also be recognized in the egyptian hieroglyph representing the same. The association in Aquarius is that of the servant of humanity pouring out the water of knowledge to quench the thirst of the world. These symbolic waves of water, share the dual expression of vibrational waves of electricity or parallel lines of force. Personalities: Aquarians are interesting and attractive people. They can be shy, sensitive, gentle and patient; or enthusiastic and lively with a tendency to be exhibitionists. Both types are strong willed and http://www.greatdreams.com/aquarius.htm (2 of 9) [4/8/2001 3:56:03 PM] THE COMING OF THE NEW AGE - AQUARIUS forceful in their own way. Very opinionated with strong convictions, they fight for what they believe in. They will argue vehemently for what they believe to be true, however, if you can show them facts to the contrary, they have little trouble altering their opinion.
  • A Foundational Bridge Between Psychology and Spirituality

    A Foundational Bridge Between Psychology and Spirituality

    Pastoral Psychol DOI 10.1007/s11089-017-0753-5 Psychosynthesis: A Foundational Bridge Between Psychology and Spirituality Catherine Ann Lombard1,2 # The Author(s) 2017. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract Pastoral psychologists have long tried to establish a working model that encom- passes the seemingly conflicting disciplines of science and religion. Psychosynthesis, a transpersonal psychology and therapeutic approach, offers such a model of the human personality, in which the psychological and spiritual perspectives can converge. This article explores psychosynthesis psychology and therapy as a theoretical framework for pastoral psychology. Although psychosynthesis psychotherapy relies on an array of techniques, it fundamentally works with the clients’ will while emphasizing, exploring, and cultivating their relationships on all levels—intrapersonal, interpersonal, and with the Higher Self. In addition to the subconscious, psychosynthesis includes a higher psychological plane, called the superconscious, from which our higher ethical, aesthetic, scientific, and spiritual values are derived. This article begins by introducing psychosynthesis concepts and techniques. It then provides qualitative findings showing that psychosynthesis counseling helped to awaken spirituality in three out of eleven clients who had formerly identified themselves as atheists. In addition, testimonies are included that show that psychosynthesis counseling also helped all eleven clients to attain personal growth. Finally, the
  • A Proposed Spiritual Axis of the Bodymind How the Reticular Activating System (RAS), Vagus Nerve and the Alta Major Chakra Axis

    A Proposed Spiritual Axis of the Bodymind How the Reticular Activating System (RAS), Vagus Nerve and the Alta Major Chakra Axis

    A Proposed Spiritual Axis of the Bodymind How the Reticular Activating System (RAS), Vagus Nerve and the Alta Major Chakra Axis May Be the Nexus of Bodymind/Spirit Consciousness Tiffany Jean Barsotti Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Holos University Graduate Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF THEOLOGY Copyright by Tiffany Jean Barsotti, 2010 All Rights Reserved The work reported in this thesis is original and carried out by me solely, except for the acknowledged direction and assistance gratefully received from colleagues and mentors. This work is not intended for commercial duplication and the use of images herein are presented in their original form, unless otherwise noted. This scholarly work acknowledges original authors where applicable and is presented in accordance with the fair use copyright act, section 107 of copyright law. ____________________________________________________ Tiffany Jean Barsotti ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The journey to create this thesis has demanded an expansion of my heart, mind and soul. It stretched the fabric of my being to unknowable limits. Each seemingly dark tunnel of the unknown, asked me to trust in something ethereal and ineffable. I am grateful for this experience and to those that supported, ushered, inspired, admonished, warned and cajoled me through this process. It is from every fiber of my being that I wish to bless, thank and acknowledge the following individuals who were a part of this mystical and thought-provoking journey. I am immensely grateful for the otherworldly wisdom and incredible intelligence of my advisor and thesis chair, Dr. Bernard Orion Williams. Your guidance and support comes with two open and incredibly supportive hands.
  • A Transpersonal Orientation: Psychosynthesis in the Counselor's

    A Transpersonal Orientation: Psychosynthesis in the Counselor's

    A Transpersonal Orientation: Psychosynthesis in the Counselor’s Office* By Dorothy Firman, Ed.D. Introduction Defining transpersonal as simply that which goes beyond the individual or personal, it could be hypothesized that all counselors are, at least in part, transpersonal in their orientation. By and large Americans, in any profession, believe in God and in various other religious and spiritual perspectives (Harper, 2005). Given that this is the case, the transpersonal (or spiritual) dimension, is, almost inevitably, part of a counselor’s possible arena of concern. While it is important for counselors to orient themselves specifically towards areas of interest and expertise, it is also clear that broad knowledge and comfort in the widest possible area will serve both the counselor and client. It is therefore important that all counselors have a working knowledge of the transpersonal orientation in counseling and psychotherapy, simply to keep pace with their client’s concerns. It seems clear from the research, that counselors do, in fact, share an interest in and concern for the transpersonal dimension in their clinical work (Winston, 1990; Carlson, Kirkpatrick, Hecker, and Killmer, 2002). What is also likely to be true, is that counselors are not trained to work in that dimension nearly as thoroughly as they are trained, for instance, to work in family of origin issues. It is not surprising, at least historically, to find counselors dealing with spiritual or transpersonal issues with their clients, but not talking about that aspect of their work in supervision. And more often than not, there is little if any academic training in the transpersonal orientation in counseling and psychology (Shafranske and Malone, 1990).
  • A PSYCHOLOGY with a SOUL by Diana Whitmore

    A PSYCHOLOGY with a SOUL by Diana Whitmore

    PSYCHOSYNTHESIS: A PSYCHOLOGY WITH A SOUL by Diana Whitmore Published in Counselling: The BACP Counselling Reader Volume Two: August 2001 PSYCHOSYNTHESIS : A PSYCHOLOGY WITH A SOUL Diana Whitmore Initial motivation : freedom from pain progressive context within which the “It hurts” “ I want to feel better” “ I want client can experience herself and make to know what is happening to me”. “I choices rather than merely mend want to be free.” Every good therapist brokenness. A client will report many will want to respond sensitively to what experiences which will prompt the is motivating a client in the moment. Psychosynthesis therapist to speculate as Nearly always our initial motivation follows : What is trying to emerge involves a deep pain we are experiencing through these difficulties and what which usually reflects a much deeper potential growth is contained within need contained within the pain and the them ? If the client was unconsciously problem. People seek therapy because seeking a step forward, what might it be they are in pain. Pain in this context is ? What old behaviour pattern is dying in one of the most powerful motivating order for something new to be born ? forces for change. The good news is that, This attitude provides a way of although seemingly negative, this step “reframing” experience, enabling the provides a healthy, energizing and life- creative potential within a problem to be affirming force for the beginning of the actualized. therapeutic work. Psychosynthesis maintains that when an The existential crisis individual seeks to enter therapy, there is Also among those who seek therapy are invariably more lying beneath the many who are basically healthy and able immediately obvious.