Ego, Personal Unconcsious, and Collective Unconscious in Meaning Making - Carter Jobe

I wrote my term paper on Jung's psychological model of the 3 compartments of the human psyche, and the role they each play in developing meaning in our journeys in life. I wanted to write a blog post to cover the essential overview. 

The human mind is made up of three different compartments, the ego, the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious. Each layer is wildly different, and therefore the parts of us they contribute too are very different as well. As a result, the meaning we acquire can be interpreted in each of the three segments of the human mind depending on its nature.

In the ego, the conscious mind, the traveler makes their choices and acts with intention. Due to this, meaning is made here when journeyers make it for themselves. Engaging in pleasure, taking on adventure, and actively growing ourselves is meaning in this manner. The personal unconscious is the layer at which the parts of us that we do not observe in the conscious reside, ranging from suppressed memories to trauma and deep fears. To connect with this level is to learn about it, and the ways in which it influences our decisions. To make meaning in the personal unconscious, one must learn about this layer of self, and what they can do to grow in it and interpret its influence in the ego. Lastly is hte collective unconscious. Unlike the other two layers, this part of our mind is the exact same for all humans, we are born with it. It comes forward into our lives and the less absrtact layers through archetypes in self and journey. Because of this, the collective unconscious has an affect on the ways that we desire to make meaning and take on journey. The most pure form of meaning making here is to engage with the collectivity, connecting with our ancient ancestors before us through symbolism and instinct.

Overall, all three layers are absolutely neccesary to create a whole sense of meaning in one's life and respective journeys. Understanding this interplay is crucial to reap the rewards of journey and meaning.

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