Introduction to Jungian Psychology: A Journey to Meet Your 'True Self'

Where on earth is my 'true self'?

Have you ever had this question pop into your mind while lying in bed at night?

In our daily lives, we often lose sight of our 'true self' while trying to be 'someone.'
That is neither a weakness nor a mistake.
In fact, this sense of unease might just be asmall signfrom the 'true self' sleeping within you.

What is Jungian Psychology? — A Journey Through Your Inner Universe

Psychologist Carl Gustav Jung said, 'The human psyche is not made up of consciousness alone.'
Deep within our hearts lies a vast and mysterious realm called the 'unconscious.'
Jung believed that hidden within it are unspoken thoughts, pain, wishes, and potential.

For example, have you ever experienced things like this?

• Feeling like you might cry when you suddenly feel lonely in a crowd.

• Seeing someone you don't know but feel nostalgic for in a casual dream.

• Reacting unexpectedly strongly to a casual remark from someone else.

These may all be signs that your unconscious is trying to tell you something.

In Jungian psychology, these emotions and phenomena are seen as 'messages from the unconscious.'
Deep beneath your surface emotions lies the 'true you' you have yet to meet.
Acknowledging that existence and engaging in a dialogue with it is the first step toward healing.

Case Study: The Day the 'Model Student' Cried

Let me share the story of a certain woman.
Since she was a child, she had been a 'good girl' who lived a life where meeting the expectations of her parents and teachers was the norm.
She handled her studies, extracurricular activities, and relationships with ease.
Even as an adult, she was someone people relied on at work.

But—one day, she suddenly fell ill and found she couldn't get out of bed in the morning.

No abnormalities were found at the hospital, and at the psychosomatic clinic, she was told this:

https://amzn.to/4c9uedG

She said she didn't understand at first.
But through counseling, she learned the Jungian concept of the 'persona' (mask) and finally realized it.

As she said this, she shed tears quietly.
And little by little, while facing her own emotions, she began the 'practice of taking off the mask.'

A philosophical question: 'Who are you?'

Jungian psychology is not just knowledge or technique, but also a 'journey to re-examine life itself.'
During that journey, questions like these will be posed to you.

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Asking questions of yourself is an act that requires courage.
But those questions do not bind you; they set you free—
that is the charm of Jungian psychology.

Healing and integration beyond accepting the 'Shadow'

Jung taught that within the human heart, there is an aspect called the 'Shadow'—a side of yourself that you want to deny.

For example:

• The kinder a person is, the more they might be suppressing 'anger' within their heart.

• The stronger a person is, the more they might be afraid to admit their weaknesses.

• Behind a smile, one might be hiding feelings that have wanted to cry for a long time.

But if you continue to exclude the Shadow, your heart will eventually become exhausted.
Gently embracing it—acknowledging, 'I am still me, even with that'—is true healing.

Are you noticing the 'small signs' within you?

Finally, I would like to ask you a quiet question.

The journey of Jungian psychology is never one to be rushed.
However, if you feel even the slightest urge to gently reach out to your 'true self', that is your first step.