Chapter 4: The Place of the Unconscious in Spiritual Direction  
  Chapter 4

The Place of the Unconscious
in 
Spiritual Direction


          This chapter speaks of the place of the unconscious in spiritual direction and emphasizes the need to take into account for serious spiritual direction.  This material includes the dynamics of projection, active imagination, and a model for examination of unconsciousness. 
 

For Chapter 4 --

reflect  on ways the    unconscious has    influenced prayer,  directing experiences,  and decision-making. 

The unconscious, as  such was not known    at the Spiritual    Exercises. 

Refer also  to the Examination of  Consciousness in  Chapter 5.

Pray and Reflect: 
  1. Using the model of the Examination of Unconsciousness, process a dream or projection along with prayer. Dialog with the images as part of the colloquy.
  2. Healing takes place when the conscious and the unconscious are realigned.

  3.  

 Wonder and Discuss:

  1. The intensity of psychological phenomena is not a good gauge for determining the quality of religious experience. 
  2. A familiarity with the unconscious can be a check in decision-making.
  3. Knowing the pattern of one's unconscious can be an additional way of knowing one's gifts and sinfulness.
  4. What kind of group situations intensify projections for yourself and your directees?
  5. How can familiarity with the unconscious clarify transference and counter-transference in the directing situation?
  6. Direction deals with discipleship, then healing. 


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