Noted Jungian psychologist to lecture on ‘Living in the Fire’ — how to use wisdom of uncertainty to transform chaos to consciousness

Jan. 18 event at Carlisle Inn in Sarasota to be followed by workshop on Jan. 19, presented by C.G. Jung Society of Sarasota

Dr. Jerry Ruhl. Contributed photo

As America prepares for the 2019 State of the Union address, noted Jungian psychologist, professor and author Dr. Jerry Ruhl will speak in Sarasota on Friday, Jan. 18, “on how people can transform their consciousness and humanity toward one another in a chaotic world,” the C.G. Jung Society of Sarasota has announced.

“Egocentrism, political and social divides, tensions and anxieties are at their highest levels in decades,” a news release says. In his talk titled Living in the Fire — The Wisdom of Uncertainty, “Ruhl will discuss the paralysis that accompanies polarization around issues, and will share his ideas on how individuals can become comfortable with uncertainty and embrace opposing ideas,” the release explains. “His talk will include strategies on how Americans can rise above ‘either/or’ one-sided monologue to more inclusive ‘both/and’ dialogue,” the release notes.

Presented by the C.G. Jung Society of Sarasota on Jan. 18, the lecture will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Carlisle Inn, located at 3727 Bahia Vista St. in Sarasota. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers; they may be purchased at cgjungsarasota.org or at the door, the release says.

“Individually and culturally we have split issues and people into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ categories and we demonize the ‘other,'” Ruhl states in the release. “People are clinging to and defending their individual beliefs about what is ‘right’ and ‘true’ for themselves, as opposed to being tolerant and open to dialogue that would reveal what may be true and better for the plurality. Such rigidity leads to inflation of the ego, arrogance and narcissism,” he continues in the release. “We need to understand that opposing qualities and perspectives are actually essential elements to the existence of our democracy and our culture.”

On Saturday, Jan. 19, Ruhl also will present a workshop which further will explore psychological patterns and approaches to help individual face catastrophes that often are beyond their coping skills, the release explains. “Experiences we cannot readily fix or control challenge us in fundamental ways, indelibly changing our lives — disrupting identity, career, relationships, meaning, hope for the future, our highest god image, and our personal narratives,” the release points out.

Image from the Society website

The program, with the theme Managing and Making Sense of Life-Changing Illness, Accidents, and Tragedies, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carlisle Inn and will introduce practical exercises such as “Thought Stopping” — “creating a quiet, still observation deck to watch thoughts”; and “Mentalizing” — “a process designed to foster meaningful dialogue as opposed to a single-sided mental monologue,” the release adds.

“Continuing Education credits are available for both events at nominal additional cost,” the release notes.

Package tickets for both lecture and workshop are also available. Learn more, register and buy online at cgjungsarasota.com, or call 952- 8188.