As Good As It Gets

As Good As It Gets

Carl Jung, Swiss Psychologist, was instrumental in developing the analytic approach to the treatment of mental health. He also introduced the concept of introversion, extroversion, complexes and inspired the Myers-Briggs Type indicator.  There are many current day practices which have their roots in ideas put forth by Jung, but what drew my attention particularly to him during this season was his work in dream analysis and the idea that in interpreting a dream one must consider that all persons in the dream are the dreamer. Isn't that a show stopper?

The dream interpretation idea reminded me that many philosophies and religions integrate the idea that we are all from the same roots, that we are all a part of a greater whole, but that we make up the whole, small though we may be as an individual. That reminded me of a line from the bible which goes something like this: “In so much as you have done it unto one of these, the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” The foregoing being a reference to feeding, clothing and caring for those less fortunate and in so doing the action is the same as if it had been done directly to Jesus Christ.

OK, I’m not a preacher, just a garden variety Herb, so to speak, but what I like about the idea is that our actions do not happen in a vacuum. Our work, effort, struggles, successes, dreams and hopes  connect us to each other because, in a way, we are each other and when we treat other well, it is well with us. When we treat others poorly, it is a deduction from our own account. So my wish is for your purse to be replete with gold, your health to be superior and your actions generous and heartfelt this season and always, because if you have it, we all have it. And, I think you deserve the very best.

Herb Ratliff, December 19, 2011, All Rights Reserved