How We Can Welcome Death!

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“Whoever fights with monsters should be careful not to become a monster himself. When you gaze long into an abyss, it also gazes into you.”
~Friedrich Nietzsche, Jenseits von Gut und Böse (1886) ch. 4, no. 146

Actually, I need to rest and post less frequently than before, but this short essay by adorable Laura London, an excellent Jungian expert at X (formerly Twitter), invigorated me. I couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

For many, contemplating and analyzing death is uncomfortable or even frightening. However, when we psychologically examine the world around us, we observe everything as dualistic, such as warm and cold, dark and light, love and hate, joy and grief… and, of course, life and death; neither can exist without the other!

There is no reason for many young people to think about death, except for some like me who are confronted with it by losing a part of their parent or both. However, as we reach a certain age, this challenge becomes unavoidable. Fear is not a solution, as we will inevitably confront the other side. Therefore, it is better to attempt to understand or envision it as much as possible. Reading this essay soothes the soul!

This quote from Jung is one of my favourites because it offers a breakthrough in our understanding of death.

Now, let’s read a tiny Colletti of Jung’s explanation on this issue, with heartfelt thanks to Laura London, which also included an introduction to an excellent book by Richard Wilhelm.

“From 1929 to 1934, #Jung presented his more mature thoughts about the mystery of death in three separate essays.⁵ In one of these essays, he stated that ‘anyone should draw the conclusion that the psyche, in its deepest reaches, participates in a form of existence beyond space and time, and thus partakes of what is inadequately and symbolically described as ‘eternity’’ [CW 8, par. 815]. Because of this, he also stated that as a doctor, I make every effort to strengthen the belief in immortality, especially with older patients … For … death is not an end but a goal, and life’s inclination towards death begins as soon as the meridian is passed’ [CW 13, par. 68]. Jung argued that the crisis of the second half of life is a sign that ‘nature prepares itself for death’ [CW 8, par. 808], hence, ‘it is hygienic … to discover in death a goal towards which one can strive’ [CW 8, par. 792], since ‘dying … has its onset long before actual death’ [CW 8, par. 809]. Jung concluded that ‘the #unconscious is all the more interested in how one dies; that is, whether the attitude of #consciousness is adjusted to dying or not’ [par. 809]. Death, then, became not only a goal for Jung but also a reality that could enrich life. Death begins before it happens, in midlife, so how one lives with death and how one approaches that goal became for Jung of paramount importance. In 1928, Jung received a copy of The Secret of the Golden Flower, a Chinese Taoist-alchemical text that, together with a dream he had which was set in Liverpool [Memories, Dreams, Reflections, pp. 220–223], confirmed to him that the goal of the #individuation process is the self, ‘the archetype of wholeness’ [CW 9ii, par. 351].”

⁵ “Commentary on ‘The Secret of the Golden Flower’” (1929); “The Stages of Life” (1930); “The Soul and Death” (1934).

~Luis Moris, Jungian psychoanalyst, “Jung’s Confrontation with Death: An Introduction, Confronting Death, pp. 7-8

🌼 You can watch my interview with Jungian psychoanalyst Luis Moris, editor of the book Confronting Death, in Episode 139 of Speaking of Jung.

35 thoughts on “How We Can Welcome Death!”

  2. Thank you for sharing such profound insights, Aladin. Jung’s perspective on death as a goal rather than an end is deeply transformative, inviting us to approach life and its inevitable transition with intention and alignment.

    Perhaps it’s also a reminder to take a step back and let our own wisdom guide us. Sometimes embracing rest is just as important as the act of writing itself. I write this because without taking regular ‘breaks’ I wouldn’t write a thing!

    Your thoughts, alongside Nietzsche’s and Jung’s insights, beautifully explore the duality of existence and the quiet wisdom of the unknown. Hope you’re having a restful and relaxing weekend. Love and light, your poet friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Your insightful comments always help me better understand my own theme. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my lovely angel.
      It indeed helps us step back and observe everything as a whole.
      I count the days and hope nothing new occurs in such a negative way!
      Sending you love and my best wishes. 🙏❤️🌹

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jean Raffa's avatar Jean Raffa

    Thank you for sharing this post, Aladin, and your comments on death. I find Jung’s perspective to be informative and comforting, and I appreciate having the sources of his quotes. I wish you health and send you love. Jeanie

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I need to come back and listen to the interview, Aladin, but please stop staring into the abyss. It isn’t good for your health, plus I still haven’t made my book trailer with your lovely music!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Don’t worry, my dearest Pam. I often change my perspective and gaze up at the stars as well. 😉🤗
      By the way, I’ve been thinking recently about your book trailer and how long it will take to come out. Thank you for keeping me updated and for your wonderful support.🙏🥰😘❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      • I need some help from my daughter in making the video but I think we’re both going to free up next week so hopefully soon. I’m also going to use it for Oil and Water which I am reissuing under Pam Lazos (currently under PJ Lazos) and which I’ve wanted to make a trailer for since it was first released ten years ago! So you see, you are making a long time wish come true!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Hello Aladin!

    Yes, death is alway in the back of my mind for years now, and it moves steadily towards the front, with each day.

    So many of life’s philosophies come from the idea that without one there is not the other.

    That love and hate, good and evil, life and death all sit beside each other.

    I have always been intrigued by my dreams.

    They seemed to have moved to a new scape, in the last months. They are like a Dali painting now.

    Several years before covid, they were dark, heart breaking, climbing cliffs, worrisome. I would wake up with palpitations.

    2 years ago, they changed. They were less dark, and often had visits with dead friends, family and pets.

    Several months ago, they changed into craziness, like a Dali painting, but not dark.

    Anyway, here we are.

    I have sent you a short mail to your Gmail, which is associated with this blog. This is to connect us.

    My name is RESA SWORK on the mail.

    When the account was started by a tech guy helping me make videos of my work and for my work… it was supposed t be —– Resa’s Work

    However, he did nit put an _ Resas_Work. After a couple of years Google named me Resa Swork.

    My comment is so long, it must exhaust you!

    Rest! We’ll chat later!

    💜🌟💙🌟🤗

    Liked by 2 people

    • Your words will never exhaust me—quite the opposite! I am fascinated by the evolution of your dreams. It seems you have faced some challenges with your inner self, but over the years, you have successfully resolved them and overcome your fears.
      It’s a positive sign that you have fruitfully explored your soul’s unknown. Thank you very much for sharing this important point with me. 🤗🤙

      By the way, “Resa Swork” is a very amusing name! I received your email and response; thanks again.

      🙏💖🥰😘🌹

      Liked by 2 people

      • Dear Aladin,
        I am the one to thank you. You are so kind to let me go on about my dreams on your blog.
        Thank you!
        It’s a wonderful place here.
        🙏💖🥰😘🌹

        Liked by 1 person

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