Ever hear of Jungian psychology? Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist, essentially the father of analytic psychology in the last century. What might he have to do with you, especially if you’re vacationing in Houston, Texas? Since 1958, fifty-two years ago, Houston has been the home of The Jung Center , a non-profit organization that’s dedicated itself to the education of the human spirit through psychology, the humanities, and art. While taking course work at the center seems impractical for a brief visit in Houston, the center also offers lectures and art, which may capture your interest, if not your subconscious.
Carl Gustav Jung developed a theory of how the psyche works, both unconsicous and unconcious, particularly in the way that this unconsciousness presents itself in dreams; over the years, his theory of personality types has gained wide acceptance, as has his notions of universal images, known as archetypes, which he felt were dervied from deep levels in the psyche and the collective unconcious. This latter idea separates analytical psychology from other forms of psychotherapy, in an attempt to understand a person’s symptoms symbolically and placing them within the greater context of the cultural and imaginative (and collective) human psyche. For this reason, Jungian psychology embraces art, history and myth, philosophy and spirituality.
At the center, you’re invited to appreciate several upcoming art shows, such as two student art shows lasting until July 14th and August 28th, respectively; in the month of September, you’ll be able to see “An Artistic Union” with work from Judith Mroski-Gonzalez and George Gonzalez, “Testing the Waters,” by Robert Batterton in October, and “Circles of Light: Out-Scapes and In-Scapes” by Raymond Gehman in November, as well as “Imagine: Texas Doll Artists” in December.
Throughout the summer, you’ll also be able to attend various programs and lectures, such as “Celebrating Our Senses: An Evening of Meditation,” “Kundalini Yoga for Everday Life: Lessons to Create Relaxation and Vitality,” “Watercolor Revelations,” “Jung and the Restles: A Sizzling Summer Social,” and “Day of Mindfulness” — all available during the month of July in 2010.
With your mind filled with the thoughts of archetypes and the unconscious, you should be able to fall asleep that much faster in the comfort of luxury Houston hotels . You may wish to arrange for a wake-up call in the morning, in order to have a leisurely breakfast and examine your dreams.