Telling the truth ... is not solely a matter of moral character; it is also a matter of correct appreciation of real situations and of serious reflection upon them.
Dietrich BonhoefferRead
Every person must live the inner life in one form or another. Consciously or unconsciously, voluntarily or involuntarily, the inner world will claim us and exact its dues. If we go to that realm consciously, it is by our inner work: our prayers, meditations, dream work, ceremonies, and Active Imagination. If we try to ignore the inner world, as most of us do, the unconscious will find its way into our lives through pathology: our psychosomatic symptoms, compulsions, depressions, and neuroses.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of engaging with one's inner life to maintain mental and emotional health.
Robert A. Johnson's quote highlights the necessity of acknowledging and actively engaging with our inner world, suggesting that whether we choose to confront it or not, our subconscious influences our lives. By embracing practices such as prayer, meditation, and reflection, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with our inner selves; conversely, neglecting this aspect can lead to various psychological issues manifesting in our daily lives.
Themes
Inner LifeConsciousnessPsychologyMental HealthReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar about mental wellness, you can use this quote to emphasize the importance of inner work.
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