Make it Conscious - Inner Work Exercises

Empathy involves looking at what you're pushing away, not least in other people.

🌿 Go deeper into your inner work. Access the Make it Conscious app, a guide to becoming who you are: https://app.makeitconscious.com/

🧭 Discover your psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

When we're speaking about empathy, there's an intention involved. There's the need to notice what you are really driven towards and understand what that means about yourself. Having empathy for other people doesn't mean looking past their flaws, or the ways in which they do harm. It means recognising the real quality of what it is in you that rejects them and pushes them away. It's only in this way that you can turn projection into detection.

In this exercise, you bring to mind a quality that you find hard to bear in other people and use it as the seed. This is not about denying that there might indeed be something unwholesome in what you're seeing in others. It's about seeing both sides more clearly.

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

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Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

Wherever there's a really strong desire for something, it points to a need in the unconscious.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

In this exercise, we're going to be using active imagination to look into something that you crave or are addicted to. It's not that there's anything wrong with desire. It's more that misplaced desire will take you away from yourself. It's misplaced because it's not being questioned, it's not being seen properly, and so it's finding the most immediate, often quite unconvincing thing that appears to meet that need.

In this exercise, you meet with a part of yourself that really wants or needs something, something it keeps reaching for, with an aim to understand it better. In that way you can ensure that all of your needs are met, and that one need isn't having its way with everything else.

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

Empathy is one of the most fundamental and vital qualities to cultivate in inner work.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

We might think of empathy as feeling what others feel, coupled with a kind of concern for them, and that is part of it. But when you feel what other people feel, you're actually feeling what you feel. You're understanding the other person's position through the lens of yourself. And so empathy is really a willingness to experience that, and therefore it is not only for other people, it's a willingness to feel what you yourself feel.

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

The persona reveals a very limited aspect of ourselves, whilst concealing a great deal more.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

This is a very important subject in depth psychology, Jungian psychology. The persona is the outer face we show to the world. It's often been described as the wrapper that we place on the outside of our ego, our self-image. On one hand it reveals something, but a very limited aspect of ourselves, whilst concealing a great deal more.

In this exercise we're going to be using this idea of the persona as the seed. You're going to meet a symbolic image of the persona, as a way perhaps to understand more about your own persona, including how that might be distorting certain virtues, and also by consequence any potential shadow aspects that might be excluding.

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

The unconscious can communicate with us in all kinds of ways: not only in words, but in its movements, in its demeanour, or maybe just a feeling.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

One of my favourite quotes about communication comes from Peter Drucker: the most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. Our actual words are very linear and precise, but there's so much more to be communicated than what can possibly be captured in words. When we're engaging with the unconscious mind, there's a similar dynamic at play. By its very nature, it cannot convey everything it needs to express in that linear, verbal way, so we have to be a bit more open-minded as to what it might mean. We need not take what we encounter literally, but we should certainly take it sincerely, and always try to hear what isn't being said.

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

Skilful communication is a vital part of adult development. It's the first place where understanding and intention meet the world - how we share our ideas. That applies not only with others, but to ourselves. Skilful communication is truthful, purposeful and empathic. In this exercise you'll practise these three points as you speak to the various aspects of the psyche.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

In this episode we bring you back to something you enjoyed doing as a child. There are often many things we were naturally drawn to as children but have since forgotten, or never fully explored. There is always something useful in them, always some reason we were attracted to them — though that is not to say it is as simple as going back to those things, doing them the same way, or trying to make them into a livelihood. Understanding the deeper reasons and needs behind why we did that thing as a child can lead to insight that relates directly to what we choose to do today, and what we have to offer the world around us.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

In this episode we turn attention to the world of work and what it is you do day to day, and specifically to the resistance you have to it. This might come up when you find yourself doing a task or your day job — something you feel you should be doing, or have decided you should be doing, but which you nonetheless struggle to get your full self on board with.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

As much as we do active imagination for ourselves, it is not only us that benefits, if we are not being driven as much by our complexes, shadow and our unchecked needs and desires. This practice is certainly a gift to ourselves, but it is not a waste of time and not a frivolous activity. It is very purposeful, and in some ways a generous thing to be doing — not only for ourselves, but also for other people.

This episode uses the basic three-step technique, working with whatever comes up during the practice.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093

One of the most common questions asked by active imagination practitioners is: "am I doing it right?" And "how do I know?"

It's not uncommon to hear of people having profound experiences, vivid images, and fluid conversations with what they encounter. That's all possible — but it might be tempting to think that if it doesn't happen for you, you've done something wrong.

Whether you're doing this practice right is not so much a question of what happens during it, or whether it produces the result you expect. By its very nature, this practice is about encountering something you don't expect. It's a question of attitude, and the stance you take towards the unconscious. It may not produce images at all. Whatever happens, it is always telling you something about the nature and state of your own mind.

🌿 This work begins with understanding your own psychological blueprint. Take the free Personality Dynamics Assessment: https://makeitconscious.com/pda/

🔔 To work with Max directly, book a free Perspectives call — https://makeitconscious.com/coaching/

This exercise uses active imagination, a technique developed by Carl Jung for engaging directly with unconscious contents, facilitating genuine psychological transformation.

----------

Playlists & Series:

Active Imagination Exercises - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2MMxqoPMkk9eEbVIrbwq-7B&si=NgEZKF8F2ztgqEpb

Core Active Imagination Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PWOC6QlGwXS2aWnaPTTF-8&si=m1YzEy1d8Ewf8e8d

Mapping the Shadow Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeuFwuWK5O2PriUHnSAKpaf5eOpy27Nsw

More from Make it Conscious:

Extended Exercises (Hestia) - https://hestia.makeitconscious.com/

MiC Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6AxGzV3sa6kK2NKSKDyuJa?si=4153da0bb1a243a3

Inner Work Exercises Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OMC4T1PNsA951dvvHhYMs?si=72af3c85c97b4536

Blog - https://makeitconscious.com/blog/

Connect:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/makeitconscious

X - https://x.com/makeitconscious

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571759044093