Meaningful Connections

I PREDICT: IN TWO MONTHS THERE WILL BE A JUNGIAN RESURGENCE

      JUNG is FOREVER YOUNG?

When the time is right a new trend can bloom almost overnight. What follows are some of the conditions that are associated with new trends catching on:

• Fresh material -
• New facts to illuminate unresolved issues
• A dramatic context
• Controversial
• Powerful personalities
• The passage of time
• Ideas or experiences which challenge basic assumptions concerning the nature of reality and the acquisition of the knowedge of reality

In this connection I received an E mail yesterday that had a link to an article that is to be published in the weekend edition of the New York Times magazine. The link is:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/magazine/20jung-t.html?_r=2&hpw=&pa    Magazine Preview

The story is:

The Holy Grail of the Unconscious

written by Sara Corbett    September 16th, 2009

The first paragraph of the article is:

 

"This is a story about a nearly 100-year-old book, bound in red leather, which has spent the last quarter century secreted away in a bank vault in Switzerland. The book is big and heavy and its spine is etched with gold letters that say “Liber Novus,” which is Latin for “New Book.” Its pages are made from thick cream-colored parchment and filled with paintings of otherworldly creatures and handwritten dialogues with gods and devils. If you didn’t know the book’s vintage, you might confuse it for a lost medieval tome."

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The author of the New Book is Carl Jung detailing his personal descent into madness and presumably his ascent into wholeness resulting in his finding a variation of analysis he called Analytical Psychology.

Now for my prediction:

Jung's ideas have been highly influential in areas which have captured many people's interest. For example he coined the term New Age. 

Among the areas he has directly influenced are: 

• an explosion of interest in exploring and utilizing the content and methods associated with the esoteric occult: i.e. astrology, tarot, kaballah, readers and readings; UFO phenomena and the myriad spin offs of this content; the study of archetypes; precognitive and lucid dream contents and use; the joining together of quantum physics and human psychology which has resulted in a collective mantra of 'worshipping' the experience of at-one-ment - expressed in the phrase everything is interconnected; a heightened interest in the magical, mystical transcendent occult so called transpersonal realm of the so called collective unconscious; and last but not least: Jung's fascination and life long dedication to identifying, naming, experiencing, and persistent attempts to understand the nature and uses of meaningful coincidences- synchronicities. 

In this light it is quite likely that the publication of his NEW BOOK next month is likely to result in a revival of interest in Jung, the Jungians, Jungian theories, and concepts. 

On a personal note I hope I am accurate as in three months I predict there will be an equally noteworthy book that will place Jung's basic ontological and epistemological assumptions, derived theories, and concepts in a radically different perspective. This book will fit the criterion I outlined at the beginning of this article.

More to follow ............

SOME OBSERVATIONS on the RECENT "CONSERVATIVE" MARCH on WASHINGTON

PLENTY of PASSION, LOW on REASON

Quite a number of signs, banners, and interviews associated with the participants on last weekends 'Conservative' march on Washington championed the idea of increasing governmental encroachment on personal freedom. Perhaps this is so but there was virtually no one validating this serious claim with objective evidence. Quite to the contrary there was one indisputable fact that indicates that the very opposite of their passionate convictions is closer to the truth of the matter.

Seque to an article in todays' New York Times.

A report from Iran indicates that  broadening punishment for those protesting the recent election results is taking the form of arresting the children and grandchildren of some of the dissidents.

I imagine that many Americans will greet such news with a preverbial HO HUM - what else is new?

But this is just the point.... At least up to today our present government is no where close to 'punishing' anyone who protests anything with such draconian measures. To censure Joe Wilson is fair and reasonable in the context of agreed upon boundaries of agreed upon civility. This limitation to personal freedom is equivalent to the prohibition to censure anyone in a theatre yelling fire.

Seque back to the conservative protestors.

Many of their signs and comments were provocative to say the least if not by most reasonable peoples' standards a bit over the top.  Really now: Obama is a facist: the equivalent of Hitler and Stalin rolled into one.  And all the other not too thinly veiled racist and fear mongering non sense.

My point is - that with all of this free flowing surge of pure hatred might it occur to the protestors and their adherents that at least up to today the current administration is more than tolerant of their provocations but even endorsing their right to protest even in their mean spirited way.

I challenge the protestors to imagine they are doing the same thing in the same way on the streets of Teheran.They would likely be shot or at least imprisoned quickly.

I hope I have managed to confuse them with the facts of the matter.

God Bless America! And as for President Obama: A Plus. 

WHAT'S the REAL LOW DOWN on SYNCHRONICITIES ?

 

      SELF GENERATED MESSAGES

Since it always takes a given individual to register a synchronicity  the ultimate secret of their nature has to begin with the perceiver's psychology. My interest in these fascinating events lies exclusively in the process by which a given synchronicity is made meaningful. My 40 year investigation of these perplexing and intellectually challenging anomalous phenomena indicates that when synchroncities are subjected to what I refer to as contextual analysis, they always function as markers that a seemingly unsolvable psychological problem has been solved - although the answer is in coded form. Note: My understanding of these events applies to the ones I have investigated using my own synchronicities collected in a thirty seven year journal,  as well as synchronicities shared with me in the context of  conducting psychoanalysis with some synchronicity prone patients.

My conclusion is that  these events are not divine interventions from the collective unconscious, or from Master teachers or the likes, but, instead,  are in fact self generated messages from ones personal unconscious working in tandem with ones personal consciousness to accomodate the best possible solution for a significant psychological problem of the moment.

My detailed findings include:- how I began my investigation as a defacto Jungian, switched to a more Freudian perspective, added the findings of the British and American schools of object relations and self psychology, switched back and forth between a Jungian and a psychodynamic understanding of the nature and function of synchronicities, resulting in my formulation of an original non Jungian, non mystical, non magical, totally naturalistic theory of synchronicities.

If you are interested in an over view of my work go to the theories section of gibbsonline.com and look for the paper on synchronicities. And if I have at all stirred your curiosity read my book expected to be published in late Decemeber of this year - 2009. The title is: 

     DEMYSTIFYING MEANINGFUL COINCIDENCES (SYNCHRONICITIES):
   The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process.

HAS ANYONE PUBLISHED A NON FICTION E BOOK?

             I CAN'T GET HURT TRYING -CAN I?

So I have this completed manuscript lying around collecting dust. I also have another book soon to be published in December with an official publishing company. One alive book plus one on life support book should equal two potentially published books if I can somehow breathe life into the one that is inert.

Tired of wasting more time scratching my head, mulling my options, I looked at the contents of the bottom shelf of my bookcase next to my computer in the basement. (Yes I know these details are not terribly relevant but Gather is fond of saying print anything you want, so I am adding these seemingly extraneous details  for the hell  of it. )

Seque back to the contents of my book case.

Back a couple of years ago when I had an agent (who by the way took me for a ride and not on a horse driven carriage in Central Park), carried away with dreams of glory, deciding how I was going to handle being rich and famous being a noted author - the 12th rejection coupled by my agent saying to me that my writing needed a great deal of revision - even though I had paid her literally thousands to help me edit it ----- ugh!- I can't complete my thought - the thoughts of it is too distressing.

Please no need to explain (1) I should never have an agent who also plays the dual role of editor... and (2) 12 rejections is really no big deal... Both facts are true but the mind is not always rational or to be more precise, my mind is not always rational.

 I also know that persistence pays off and that a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. I also am aware that success may be achieved in multiple ways via walking alternative and or complimentary paths. So that the most effective formula for success should be combining all known pathways to obtaining a successful outcome - into an organized plan of concentrated action which is carried out on a day to day basis until success is reached. In this case- success would be having my dust gathering memoir finally published one way or the other.

Towards this end it makes logical sense to instantly begin the following lists of to dos starting tomorrow morning which is now this very morning.  This list includes, but is not exclusively limited to: Praying (to who I still have not figured out);   meditating both ways (by emptying the mind of all contents as well as  by trying to be aware of everything without judging); applying mindfulness techniques; free asssociating;  focusing; attending the Great Man burning or is it the Burning Man thing?; eating mushrooms if I dare;  throw the I Ching;  consult  a professional astrologer;  erect my own Astrology Chart to validate the professional astrologer's reading;  consult another professional to read my Tarot cards;  consult a rabbi for a Kabalah reading; cull the advice given from the ten marketing books that are on the bottom of my bookcase I bought in anticipation of the instant receit of a book contract from Basic Books congradulating me for the good sense of soliciting their company to publish my memoir.

All of which brings me back to my initial question. Has anyone published a non fiction E book?

I don't have to list the advantages and disadvantages of going this route. What I am looking for are hard cold facts. Once the Word manuscript is converted into a PDF file and then further converted into an E book ( all of about 30 minutes) the real issue - as it is with every newly published book: how best to MARKET it. 

So - for all of you who have gone the e book publishing route - after you have a marketable product what actually happened or is happening in reality? Did you have a marketing plan? Are there any bonified websites that allow you to keep your rights but also advertise your e book that really work?

I appreciate any and all comments....

P.S. The title of proposed E book is: A HEAD of CHANGES:

My Odyssey of the Turbulent Beginnings of Treating Drug Addicts in the Sixties

and my soon to be published book is:

Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities):

The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and The Creative Process

THE BATTLE OVER HEALTH REFORM: HEALTHY or SICK?

                       The Show Isn't Over Until.........

The following article was inspired by my reading Troy's article called:
The Democrats are Becoming Desperate Over Health Reform:

Troy said: 

"As I returned from vacation last weekend I became aware of the desperation of the Democrats and the White House over their socialist takeover of our health care system. After weeks of plummeting poll numbers and running scared at town hall meetings the administration and the Democratic leadership have resorted to the same tired tactics they have used for years. The politics of fear and race baiting has returned in full force in a feeble attempt to resurrect the health care power grab."

The rest of the article argues his point.

 My Response to Troy follows:

Maybe yes Troy, and yet again, maybe not. Try this perspective out. The Democratic leadership is not stupid. They full well have known that for 50 years (or so) health reform has been a great idea that when push has come to shove has not been pollitically push- through -able. There are of course many reasons for this. One glaring one is the obvious official position of the Republicans to deny Obama and the Democrats an historic victory at all costs. No lie, no over simplification, no fear mongering, no distortion of the facts is beyond their kin. So what? So I believe the Democrats and especially Obama,  figured this to be the likely scenario long ago. So how to deal with it effectively? How about the old "give them enough rope" routine with the genuine hope that enough good will and a modicum of by partisanship will win the day over the petty, narrow, sell your soul to the big companies mentality - resulting in good sense, actually prevailing. Well - so much for that sweet idea.! The Republican cynicism is transparent. So I think there is no other alternative than for the Democrats to fight it out among themselves, hammer out the best bill they can come up with - and write the 'clever Republican politicos' off - totally - if they insist that all they can come up with is the most clever obstructionistic ploy of the day. This is the end of the summer. Now the real fight begins. The calculated hot heads and the too easily fear induced populace have popped their corks. I understand that the issues are indeed complex and that is reasonable for reasonable people to strongly disagree. But this issue is too vital to have it lost with a calculated  conspiracy to deny the President (of any party) from achieving an objective that is of true benefit to all the people overlooking those that have no political savy.   What appears at the root of this issue besides greed, are a number of converging fears. Among these fears are: a fear of complexity, a fear of death and dying, and a fear of facing realistic limitations. Perhaps there are more fears but these three are formidable. We need to have an open conversation about coping with fear by facing the facts of reality. We simply cannot - should not - bury our heads in denial and let the loudest voices over ride common sense and reason. My bet is that President Obama will eventually win the day finding the just right note to inspire enough people to push through at least the beginnings of a necessary and significant piece of health reform legislation.

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING! IT APPEARS the CURE Is WORSE than the DISEASE

                               YES BUT ...................................

Hold on America - Just when it has seemed that the familiar drug ads were growing stale - I was roused out of a late night sturporous state  of mind to catch the tail (long long tail ) end of a new drug being advertised... at least new to me.

This drug has has a melifluous sounding name: CHANTIX. I must admit I envy those who obviously must make a fortune coming up with orginal seductive names for a product which - when you think about it - is not exactly a barallel of fun.

This product's 'hook' [pardon the expression] is to interfere with the pleasure receptors of the brain supposedly leading to the cessation of smoking at the impressive rate of 44% of something which on the face of it does sound quite impressive. This is the potentially good news (if the findings are objective).

 This is not the part of the ad that captured my attention  instantaneosly inducing an adrenaline rush - so exciting that  I telephoned my brother saying: did you hear that ad about Chantix. Having just heard it himself we talked about it for a minute followed by jointly exploding with laughter.

So, the curious, might ask, what could possibly be is so funny about an anti smoking addiction ad... particularly when it touts a 44 percent 'success' rate?

Both of us were doubled over in pain laughing at the sobering list of side effects which seemed to go on for an eternity. I quote from the sites' summary:

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"Important Safety Information

Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.

Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking CHANTIX, some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to CHANTIX, some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking CHANTIX and get medical attention right away.

The most common side effects include nausea (30%), sleep problems, constipation, gas, and/or vomiting. If you have side effects that bother you or don’t go away, tell your doctor.

You may have trouble sleeping, vivid, unusual, or strange dreams while taking CHANTIX. Use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how CHANTIX may affect you.

CHANTIX should not be taken with other quit-smoking products. You may need a lower dose of CHANTIX if you have kidney problems or get dialysis.

Before starting CHANTIX, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you take insulin, asthma medicines, or blood thinners. Medicines like these may work differently when you quit smoking.

CHANTIX is a prescription medicine to help adults 18 and over stop smoking. You may benefit from quit-smoking support programs and/or counseling during your quit attempt. It’s possible that you might slip-up and smoke while taking CHANTIX. If you do, you can stay on CHANTIX and keep trying to quit.

Uninsured? Need help paying for Pfizer medicines? Pfizer has programs that can help. Call 1-866-706-2400 or click here www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

Copyright © 2007-2009 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Pfizer, PO Box 29387, Mission, KS 66201

VCP00185

August 17, 2009

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I must give credit where credit is due. Pfizer gets an A Plus for what could not possibly be a more complete full disclosure list. But really now .......[possible]  'hostility' 'suicidal thoughts' paranoia, panic anxiety, hallucinations, skin reactions that could be life threatening, depression, possible breathing problems, ....

Not included are statistics as to how many complaints the company has received about those who have experienced one or more of these possible side effects....

What really stirred our rapt attention about the possible side effects of Chantix  is their remarable admission that one or more of these side effects could possibly be experienced not only after the first pill, and not only while it is actively being taken, but even after one has stopped taking the pill all together.

I would love to know how they arrived at this 'you have got to be kidding'  observation. On what objective basis have they arrived at this warning? It seems to us that the detail of the sample size is of crucial concern to all potential takers of this drug. No?

The implied answer is  - of course - we warned you: so buyer beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the warning Chantix.

What Pfizer - nor any of the other drug companies do not tell  - whether the drug be for anti smoking, stress reduction, sleep, anti depression, anti anxiety- is that the key to sustained success is - in all cases - for the sufferer to learn how to bear increasing dosages of frustration: plain and simple.

Any mother of a new born knows that what I am saying is the gospel truth. When babies turn beat red with frustration, shaking like a leaf with panic and fear, moody and sullen due to depression, the drug companies (so far this week) have not pursuaded the doctors to start giving anti stress, anti anxiety, or anti depression pills.It is alarming that they have managed to reach down into the pre teens.

Informed mothers and fathers  intuitively know that the anxiety, stress, depression and frustration that thier children are experiencing are not pathological symptoms but are instead, normal inevitable phsyiological and psychological responses associated with having to learn how to face and master life problems.  Babies, as well as adults have to learn not to avoid stress, anxiety, frustration and depression as if they were enemies; but, instead  to face them head on by learning to tolerate them over time. Research indicates that learning to bear these so called inevitable 'negative' feelings results in the spontaneous development of a strong self. A strong self is able to keep its sense of balance in the midst of internal and external pressure.

If Obama wants to save billions of dollars on the health care program - and in the process also adding a meaningful prevention component- he should  insist that the drug companies broadcast the information I have summarized above.

I challenge the drug companies to prove me wrong.......................