Soul's Code, Creative Hopelessness, Self-Betrayal
Existential Espresso Vol. 107
What I’ve been reading:
The Soul’s Code by James Hillman
This is a book about calling.
It’s a book for those who still believe, or at least want to believe, that there is something unique in each one of us, something that we have to discover and respond to.
It’s a book for those who still believe in the soul even though we live in a mechanistic, algorithm-driven, hyper-rational society devoid of imagination.
James Hillman was a true renegade. Even though he was a psychologist himself, he viciously attacked (official) psychology as a soulless institution and a failed project. My other mentors, Carl Jung, Rollo May, and Abraham Maslow, would agree.
What I’ve listened to:
Creative Hopelessness - Mental Chess
This will be the most valuable 3-minute, 124-views video you have watched in a while, maybe ever.
I’m giving you a heads-up that the audio quality is poor. Also, the speaker doesn’t have the most engaging delivery. Still, this short video explains an immensely valuable concept from ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) for anyone struggling with self-defeating thoughts.
What I’ve been thinking about:
“The greatest tragedy is not what was done to you but what you refuse to do for yourself.” -
*Nada is one of the most inspiring individuals and most beautiful souls I’ve had the chance to meet in a long time. Similarly to my book recommendation, read her work if you want to enrich your soul.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
Free Resources:
Clarity Quest - self-exploration course
My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading
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However, even taking the time out of your day to read what I have to share with you means more to me than you can imagine. Thank you.
Thank you for providing me with a good model for how to structure a post: reading, listening, thinking. This is how I imagined I might write some of my posts. I have difficulty focusing on one topic. I haven’t read the Soul’s Code by Hillman. It’s only my list of several ‘to read’.
I’m not sure how much I believe that everyone has a ‘calling’. I think that was the pitch of many of Oprah’s guests, the law of attraction and manifestation? I’ve known a few people (doctors and psychotherapists, for example) who have spoken of being ‘called’ to serve humanity. I sense it probably is the case for some of them because their nature seems aligned with alleviating suffering. But, I don’t think it applies to most people.
I love the artwork — Voices of France. Why did you select that piece?
Each and every minute I spend on Substack takes me conveniently away from reading and writing. I’ll figure it out eventually. Glad to have found your work as your notes and commentary are thought provoking to me.
Thank you David for your kind words🙏🏽 so much appreciated!