My guest this week is Dr. James Hollis, a therapist and author of many books, including Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up (affiliate link).
Topics we discussed included:
Common struggles one tends to experience in midlife
The part of our psyche (soul) that knows us better than we know ourselves
The agenda of the first and second halves of an average-length life
Why certain issues tend to arise at midlife and not sooner
The Buddha’s experiences before and after enlightenment
Missing out on the opportunity to find a different solution to unaddressed problems
Asking metaphorically what the gods intend through us
Living in harmony with our inevitable mortality
The Self working to overthrow the ego
Asking what the symptoms we’re having are pointing to or asking of us
Depression as a reorienting of energies when we’re at odds with ourselves
Why popular culture ideas about intimate relationships tend to lead to unhappiness
The contrasting realities of “being in love with” and loving another person
What it means to leave one’s family of origin for the second time
The projection that is part of the origin of any relationship
The growth that often comes through challenges and pain
The cost to ourselves and our loved ones of denying our calling
Aligning vocation with one’s work life
How to successfully navigate the challenges of midlife
James Hollis, PhD, is a Jungian analyst based in Washington, DC.
He is the author of many books, including his latest, A Life of Meaning (affiliate link).
Find Jim online at his website.
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