Blog

To conceal or to reveal our Shadow? – Blackbuck Lodge-Veravadar, Gujarat, India February 14th, 2014

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!        By B.J.Jakala   Blackbuck stag blending into the habitat    Camouflage provides protection from visual attention. Within my own psyche I have areas that are naturally hidden and those that I need to hide from the world. What a glorious moment, when I trust myself and the world enough to reveal myself to it, and the world supports who I am.    \ Stepping out into the world of community.    Nature has its way of selecting the strong to survive; survival of the fittest. My internal environment is similar. I can engage competing parts within myself. It helps when I remember natural selection within my own psyche-not always pretty or easy–but overall– life affirming.   Striped hyena – a predator –as it naps BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the Land of Gandhi through the Jungians Lens led by Dr. Bedi.  Reflections by Ashok Bedi Our ego consciousness has to be authentic yet discerning to balance what is revealed and what must be concealed to be revealed at an appropriate time with adequate preparation. It is the task […]

By |February 13th, 2014|Uncategorized|61 Comments|

Engaging the Reflective life – Blackbuck Lodge-Veravadar, Gujarat, India February 13th, 2014

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!        By B.J.Jakala The challenge of encountering a magnificent place (like the picture in the above paragraph) is to keep the balance between the sacred and the mundane. Being in such a beautiful and peaceful setting results in my mind chasing one amazing view, flying or grazing animal after another. I have to consciously hold the moment more mindfully as I encounter it. I can easily get distracted from participating in the moment by witnessing it. The task is to savor rather than devour.   BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the Land of Gandhi through the Jungians Lens led by Dr. Bedi.  Reflections by Ashok Bedi A reflective life is one that balances two facets of our consciousness. These are the experiencing consciousness and the observing consciousness. We need to be in the experience of the present moment to be participant in the flow of daily life. Simultaneously, we need to be an observer and a witness to our experience to put in context of flow of our life […]

By |February 13th, 2014|Uncategorized|66 Comments|

The Tapestry of our Consciousness – The Textile Museum: Ahmedabad- Feburary 12th, 2014

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!      By B.J.JakalaBelow is an example of a simple stitch used on a book cover The Calico Museum of Textiles is a treasure of three hundred year old works of textile art. Pieces would often take three years for one person to make. The embroidery adds texture and color to simple fabric; it adds depth and meaning. Each stitch gives dimension and color to an otherwise plain fabric and contributes to the vision of the artist. Perhaps the work of the textile artist parallels life. If we start out as plain fabric and bring life’s experiences in and out, much like the stitch, then the world can see our life in the art of living. The important question: Who is the artist? BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the Land of Gandhi through the Jungians Lens led by Dr. Bedi. Reflections by Ashok Bedi Every life is woven by three artists. Our ego or outer consciousness, our Soul and the timeless flow of the universe- the Brahman. The Brahman […]

By |February 11th, 2014|Uncategorized|11 Comments|

Stepwell into the Mystery of our Psyche – February 11th, 2014 – Rani Ki Vav: the Stepwells of Patan

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!    By B.J.JakalaStepwells Mythological artistry blossoms in the 11th Century in the Stepwells of Patan, a multi-story well that provides hydration and respite.  The stepwell is a valuable example of immersion into art. While performing the function of gathering water, the visitors can engage the surrounding ornamentation of Hindu gods and goddesses. An example of a relief carving in the stepwell wall.  Stepwell ornamentation and function all take place below ground level. There is no visual announcement of the structure in the distance. Once inside, the walls provide the visual nourishment to the soul, as well as, a venue to socialize and rest. With each step down, I am more amazed at the enormity of this project. I am astonished when I consider how much work and talent it took in the 11th Century to complete. There is balance between architecture and art; Each element enhances the other. I experience the parallel between this structure and the unconscious. Once below the surface, there is enormous opportunity for engagement and reflection.  BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the […]

The Alchemist of our times – February 10th, 2014- Gandhi Ashram & a Jain Temple

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!  By B.J.JakalaIndia provides an opportunity as she unlocks the door between inner and outer mystery. Her Hindu mythological platform gives a solid foundation to understanding various aspects of the psyche.     I believe the most important aspect of her mythology is how relational it is. Much like Jung’s concepts of conscious and unconscious, Hindu mythology favors the dynamics. The encounter in India facilitates a blatant relationship between known and unknown, familiar and foreign.  We visited a Jain temple and the Gandhi ashram. It was a perfect pairing of nonviolent ideas. It afforded me to consider how an ancient tradition intersects with modern life of living more fully and purposefully. As Gandhi said, “My message is my life.”    BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the Land of Gandhi through the Jungians Lens led by Dr. Bedi. Reflections by Ashok Bedi:In every civilization, there comes a time to make a fundamental and profound change. When an individual or a culture is in midst of such a transformative experience, it needs a guide, a guru and alchemist to […]

The Lost Continent of our Soul –February 9th, 2014 – Nalsarowar

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!  By B.J.JakalaNalsarowar is a migratory bird sanctuary outside of Ahmedabad. In the photo below a group of Flamingos reflect the communal and transitory aspects of life   This was the first night of the tour group together/to gather. Our group of participants convened for a meal at a rooftop restaurant–open to the sky. We were served traditional local food while India provided her evening sensory ambiance as an engagement party arrived in spectacular eveningwear. Side by side, our parties celebrated an engagement of different yet similar kind. Each promotes an interior and exterior engagement–to ourselves and to the outer world.  I flew in, much like the migratory birds seeking more than their homeland provides. In a similar way, I feel a need to migrate to be nourished in a foreign yet familiar climate. I hope to engage a deeper India as she engages a deeper me.   Nalsarowar is a migratory bird sanctuary outside of Ahmedabad. In the photo below a group of Flamingos reflect the communal and transitory aspects of life.      This was the first night of the tour group together/to gather. Our group of participants convened for a meal […]

Commerce with Conscience. – Feb 7th 2014 – Lothal

Ashok Bedi , M.D. B.J. Jakala, PH.D. From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!   By B.J.Jakala BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the Land of Gandhi through the Jungians Lens led by Dr. Bedi Today entailed a visit to the archeological site of Lothal. The civilization dates back 4,000 years. These remnants of this town invite the imagination to “remember” the early life of trading beads and jewelry. It seemed a utilitarian existence. The day still touches an ancient part of me. It feels more than looking into a reflecting pond. It is it more like stepping into the reflective waters of history: imagine to remember; to immerse into a dream of the past.  Reflections by Ashok Bedi: The Lothals were an advanced civilization with commerce, trade and social infrastructure. However, what really made them advanced was social responsibility. They had five levels of organic filters in their sewer system before they would discharge this waste into the ocean! This social awareness came from an active Transcendent function. They had respect for the Numinous. They worshiped four gods: the Sun god, the fire god, the sea god and […]

The Mundane and the Sacred – A Jungian Encounter with Soul of Gandhi’s India February 6th, 2014

From February 7th through 18th, a group of soul seekers will travel in India to experience the land of Mahatma Gandhi through Jungian lens of Analytical Psychology. This experience is sponsored by the New York Jung Foundation. For the next several days, the faculty member of the group, Jungian Analyst Ashok Bedi and a Depth Psychotherapist Dr. Robert J. Jakala will compose a daily blog of their reflections about the experience. Other group participants have been invited to contribute to the blog and may join us from time to time. We are glad to share our experiences and reflections. Enjoy!   By B.J.JakalaIndia alerts all the senses the moment you step onto her soil. Her city life still allows the coexistence of animal, vegetable, mineral, mechanical, and technical in her city streets.Photo of a street in Ahmedabad.The question is: How do I engage the experiences of sound, sight, smell, taste, touch, thought, and feeling? How much do I take in? How much do I give of myself?What is the right mixture of India and me? What is bold and what is subtle?Today is about establishing the proper container to hold/witness all that I am and all that India offers.  Photo of a perfume shop merchant mixing personal scents.BJ Jakala, PhD is a participant in this year’s Journey to the Land of Gandhi through the Jungians Lens led by Dr. Bedi.Reflections by Ashok Bedi:In India, the mundane and the sacred coexist in seamless harmony. Everything coexists: the light and the shadow. Carl Jung observed during his visit to India. He felt that while in the West, we live in the head, in India, it is the Whole person that lives. The light and the shadow coexist in […]

Emerging Frontiers of Integrative Medicine

Ashok Bedi, M.D., ISSN 1939-3407  Contemporary Western medicine is disease-based and focuses on the work of specialists rather than generalists. It is reactive rather than proactive, crisis-oriented rather than holistic, physician-directed rather than interactive, and focused on curing illnesses rather than promoting wellness. Medical treatment is delivered via a chaotic, disconnected matrix of urgent-care facilities, emergency rooms, hospitals, and specialists. The presumed driver of this care, the family physician, is at the bottom of this pyramid.  The emerging integrative medicine of the 21st century will be patient-focused, empowering individuals to take care of themselves through a balanced lifestyle that uses their unique personal resources and attributes, and invokes the traditions of their ancestral wisdom and their souls’ guidance. In this model, patients will map out, not only their illness profiles, but also their wellness plans. In this new paradigm, the emphasis is on accessing the Healing Zone to move from a focus on illness to a goal of enhancing wellness.  According to the National Center for Complementary Medicine, 42 percent of Americans use at least some of the methods of wellness medicine we will discuss (Spiegel, n.d.). More patients visit practitioners of these complementary methods of treatment than visit primary-care doctors. Among the main reasons for seeking these alternatives are pain, pediatrics, and self-care for stress and weight loss. Fifty percent of cancer patients and AIDS survivors consult complementary-care providers. Seventy-two percent of these patients don’t talk about it with their doctors, yet studies show that 83 percent of patients combine alternative with conventional medicine.  The Healing Zone is a place of awe and mystery. It is not a linear phenomenon, but a quantum field where energy and matter become interchangeable. My recently published […]

Archetype of the Great Mother

Ganges is the holiest river in India for the Hindus. Every night, prayer services pay homage to the great river. Here is a scene from my visit to Rishikesh.