An Evening With
“All are clear, I alone am clouded” Lao Tzu
“Only after I had familiarized myself with alchemy did I realize that the unconscious is a process, and the psyche is transformed by the relationship of the ego to the contents of the unconscious.” C.G. Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections
In tonight’s program we will explore the alchemical processes that link the nourishing energetic field of ‘Self Love’ with the subtle energy system of Tantric anatomy. When this infusion of Self Love is activated with intentional awareness it becomes embodied within our human anatomy and supports the biological, subtle, and psychological aspects of the immune function. This in turn helps free us from being enslaved by reactivity coming from our pain identity that is triggered by shadow projections onto inner and outer, good and bad objects.
Accessing the power of this sacred anatomy with this infusion of awareness can open us up to a deepening experience of mystery, scintillating with conscious thought transference and synchronicity. Through these empowerments we can develop a grounded ego and strengthen self-esteem and physical health. Within the purifying alchemy of this interactive field we can meet ourselves in the outer world through the constellation of Tantric relationships with others that link our evolving consciousness meaningfully to the collective and the cosmos.
In Alchemy, in order to attain the highest degree of conjunction, the prima materia —what Jung calls “the unknown substance that carries the projection of the autonomous psychic content”— must be extracted from the sacred bath. The optimal extraction comes when we bathe with a tincture of conscious Self Love. More often we are left with the predicament of turning self-hatred and shadow projections into the tincture by an inoculation of awareness that these inner and outer projections ultimately constitute an autoimmune self-attack. Then this autoimmune energy can be transmuted to dissolve our allergic reactions to ourselves. As Jung points out: “the symptomatology of an illness is at the same time a natural attempt at healing.”
In Tantra, visualizing the currents of energy running through the channels of the sacred anatomy refines consciousness, purifying our psychic projections. As we develop more “subtle muscle” through practice, these energies, magnetized with intentional awareness, are embodied in the unifying mandala of the Self. In both Tantra and Alchemy, pursuing non-duality promotes conscious individuation. As the pain identity dissolves into infinite fearlessness, we reclaim the primordial state of complete immunity through Self Love.
Please note: after the program ends at 9:00 PM there will be an extended question and answer discussion for those who would like to participate in this option.
Timothy Lyons, LCSW, is a Jungian-oriented psychotherapist in private practice for individuals, couples and families in Capitol Hill, D.C. and Takoma Park, Maryland. He has a certificate for postgraduate studies from the Philadelphia Jung Institute and is a frequent presenter at the Jung Society of Washington. His postgraduate studies also include infant observation and art therapy. Tim’s work is further enhanced by his studies of Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, yogic philosophies, Hatha yoga and Qi Gong. He has also completed teacher training in Trul Khor (Tibetan yoga). His earlier career as architect and editor includes writing for the Washington Post, and lecturing at the Smithsonian Institution.
https://timothy-lyons.com
Program registration closes on Wednesday , August 19th, at noon.
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