Welcome,
This is a guided session in imaginative inner work that has been inspired by Carl Jung's method of active imagination.
It's a meditation that may feel a little different from what you're used to.
We'll begin by entering a state of relaxation and receptivity so you can arrive at the threshold of your imagination.
And when that happens,
The unconscious parts of your inner world begin to take form.
Like practices such as Yoga Nidra,
This meditation is intended to bring you into a liminal,
In-between state,
But unlike structured practices,
There's no fixed sequence or step-by-step progression.
Instead,
You are invited into direct relationship with your own psyche,
Allowing images,
Sensations,
Emotions,
Words,
Or symbols to arise and move in their own way.
You may encounter deep,
Unknown,
Or shadowed aspects of yourself,
And that's all part of the work.
Jung believed that our imaginative life is just as real and meaningful as our outer life,
And that when we enter into direct relationship and dialogue with the unconscious,
Without trying to control or interpret it too quickly,
We open a distinct path to transformation and inner alchemy.
We'll begin our practice together by descending a spiral staircase,
Which serves as a symbolic passage inward.
Once you arrive at the end of the staircase,
You will be at the threshold of your imagination.
This is when I will step back and leave you in silence for about 10 minutes.
What you encounter from there will be uniquely yours.
It might be vivid,
Emotional,
Subtle,
Quiet,
Or strange.
Whatever arises is welcome.
It is part of you.
All you need to do is stay present,
Be patient,
And let your imagination lead.
At the end of 10 minutes,
I will gently guide you back.
Please set aside a few minutes afterward to record what came through and reflect on your experience.
You might write in a journal,
Transcribe what happened into a voice recording,
Or create artwork that represents what you saw.
The act of capturing what you experienced can help honor the encounter and give form to what appeared.
So with that,
Let's begin by finding a comfortable seated position,
Or you may lie down as long as you're able to remain awake and aware.
Let your body feel grounded and supported.
Close your eyes.
Take a few long,
Slow,
Steady breaths.
Let each inhale be full and expansive.
And each exhale long and soft.
Allowing the body to settle.
Letting the mind begin to open.
Becoming more calm with each breath.
More receptive.
More here.
Now imagine that you are standing at the top of a long,
Spiral staircase.
Notice what this staircase is made out of.
Make it real in your mind.
Look around.
Notice what the walls are made out of.
Notice the temperature of the space.
What does the air smell like?
Feel the space with all of your senses.
Try not to overthink it.
Trust whatever comes to you first.
Now,
Place your foot on the first step.
Hear the sound it makes.
Place your hand on the railing.
Feel its texture and its temperature.
Feel the air on your face as you begin to descend.
If you are new to this work,
You may wish to bring a guide with you.
This could be a wise figure,
An animal,
Or even a beloved pet.
Anything that helps you feel safe.
They can be your companion,
Your witness,
And your support.
Continue moving downward one step at a time.
At whatever pace feels right,
There is no rush.
You are approaching the imaginal threshold within you.
At some point,
You may reach the ground.
And when you do,
Pause.
Look around.
Let the air shift.
Let your senses expand.
Simply notice what you see,
Hear,
And feel.
And wait.
Wait for what wants to appear.
This is not something you force.
You are not directing anything.
This is a complete surrender of control.
You might notice an image,
A sound,
A shape,
Or a figure.
If something moves,
Follow it and see where it goes.
If a figure appears,
You may wish to ask who they are and why they're here.
Ask what they represent.
You are now conscious within your unconscious mind,
Which is a deep and ancient part of you.
What arises may be strange,
Beautiful,
Quiet,
Or unclear.
It is all welcome.
And if nothing happens at first,
Just wait.
Let the scene unfold as it will.
Let images morph and change.
Let them surprise you.
If at any point you feel overwhelmed,
Call in your guide.
And always remember,
You can leave at any time.
You can ask your guide to provide an exit.
I will step back now for the next 10 minutes.
Remain present with your experience and allow it to unfold.
Let what appears come closer.
Follow what moves.
Ask questions.
Receive what comes.
And let yourself be in it.
It's time to begin your return.
Bring a gentle close to the scene that you're in.
Say thank you to whoever or whatever appeared.
Now begin to rise,
Perhaps back up the spiral staircase.
Or maybe by rope,
Ladder,
Or even flight.
It's your imagination.
However you return,
Come back to the room that you're in.
Feel your body breathing.
Take a long,
Slow,
Deep breath.
When you're ready,
Open your eyes.
Stretch and move in any way that feels good.
Take a few minutes now to write or draw,
Or maybe both.
Capture what you saw,
Heard,
And felt without interpreting or analyzing.
The meaning of your experience may not be clear now,
But it may reveal itself in time as you return again and again and build a relationship with your inner landscape.
You've just opened a door to a deeper layer of yourself.
Take a moment to acknowledge that.
With practice,
You'll learn how to safely guide yourself to your imaginal threshold and back.
This is your birthright.
It is part of who you are.
I'm honored to have shared this space with you.
If something meaningful arose and you'd like to share,
I would love to hear it.
Take your time re-entering your day,
And be well.
