Practically Archives - Page 4 of 4

The Power of One More Thing…

Frequently in life and in the pursuit of meaning we find ourselves frustrated. Despite the best of intentions and the most carefully laid plans we sometimes find our efforts thwarted. An annoying situation to be sure, but one which we no doubt all encounter at some point or another. Even, I suspect, the most spectacular achievers. The difference with these high achievers is that they are able to successfully overcome adversity. Or so we are given to believe. This post is an...

September 27, 2010

By Stephen FarahLiving Meaningfully, Practicallymeaningful power1 Comment

Twelve Essential Life Lessons

Jung, like the ancient Greek mathematicians believed that number was sacred. Specifically that number was the first and most fundamental archetype. It is in that spirit that I list the 12 most important things I have learnt about life. Things which have made my life richer, more meaningful and have helped me in the quest to understand the meaning of life. Socrates said that we cannot teach anyone anything; all we can do is help them remember. Do you remember...

July 18, 2010

By Stephen FarahLiving Meaningfully, PracticallyLiving meaningfully0 Comments

Crayfish and Dimple Haig

Many, many moons ago, when my wife and I were still young and the seeds of potential lay as yet unsheathed in our loins, we were teetotallers. Not teetotallers exactly, not in the strict definition of the word. God knows we painted the ceiling of Time Square Cafe' pink with the spray of several bottle's of J. C. Le Roux. Prior to lifting David Duev, the proprietor, over the bar counter in a single move to urgently embrace him and demonstrate...

June 27, 2010

By Stephen FarahPractically1 Comment

A Near Drowning in Paradise and Memories of 9:11

I was fortunate through the good graces of a friend to spend 7 days in Tofu Mozambique recently. It truly is an unspoilt paradise and I found myself deeply moved by the awesome beauty of the untamed, natural coast. Tofu is unmediated and naturally quite different to the virtual island experience of a 5 Star Resort. Anyway suffice to say it was breathtaking and for the week that we were there we existed in a sublime almost surreal state...

June 25, 2010

By Stephen FarahNarrative Analysis, Practicallyapperception, narrative0 Comments

On the Darker Side of Life

I have thinking quite a bit lately about the issue of relationships. The thing that concerns me is the level of aggression that comes into our relationships. Not only aggression, or at least not only patently aggressive behaviour, but all the various subtle manifestations of this: social one-up-man-ship, character assassination, power struggles and so on. A particularly vivid example of this was pointed out to me a few months ago. When anyone in a social gathering tells a story, how shortly afterwards...

June 8, 2010

By Stephen FarahPractically, ShadowJung, movie review, shadow1 Comment

The Irrational Psyche and the Shadow.

In considering the psyche it is important to take into account that the psyche is fundamentally an irrational entity. What I mean by this is that the psyche is not at heart driven by rational forces. The concept of reason is a cultural concept which whilst immensely valuable does not describe our psychology. This was in part the great breakthrough that Sigmund Freud made. He saw through the illusion of man as a reasonable and respectable creature....

May 7, 2010

By Stephen FarahJungian Themes, Practically, ShadowJung, shadow9 Comments

7 Steps towards leading a Meaningful Life

Step 1 Be Buff We are physical as well as spiritual beings. To break it down further, I think the classification into physical, psychic and spiritual beings has merit; and to each of these we need to pay our dues. As an advocate of the soul of man I am naturally partial to any system which addresses man on the psychic level. Nevertheless I am struck by the inherent limitation of any system, that seeks to promote personal growth and wellbeing, which...

May 7, 2010

By Stephen FarahLiving Meaningfully, PracticallyA meaningful life0 Comments