Friday, April 8, 2011

Post for April 11

As we discussed on the first few days of class, Carl Jung is one of the first to define the concept of archetypes, and Anthony Stevens refers to him throughout Ariadne's Clue, especially Jung's idea of the "transcendent function of symbols [...] part of the autonomous developmental principle operating throughout life, which he called individuation [... which] also imples becoming one's own self. We could, therefore, translate individuation as 'coming to selfhood' or 'self-realization'" (as cited on p. 77).

For this post, describe one symbol that has been a part of your process of individuation.

For example, one symbol that has been essential for me is that of the book, which symbolizes the idea of knowledge, expression, and freedom. I usually take a book with me wherever I go, and it functions as both a spark for my imagination and an extension of my self; one way I have of describing myself is to list the books that are most important to me or, conversely, the books I am currently reading.

25 comments:

  1. Yadhira Moreno

    I would consider my very first credit card to be a symbol of my process of individuation. It represents independence, and responsibility. I come from a Mexican background and being able to support yourself and budget your expenses is really important. When I first applied for my credit card I was really excited because it made me feel more like an adult. I have made each payment on time and plan to pay it off soon. :) I love credit cards because they do come in great use when needed.

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  2. My symbol would be pro wrestling. All those who are close to me knows it defines me. I have watched it since I was two years old and it has shaped my personallity.

    Adam Eaton

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  3. I would consider a car to be a symbol of my process of individuation because it represents my journey of life. I am not perfect and I am guilty for driving through some bumpy roads. I did not want these bumpy roads to stop me from reaching my destination so I’ve decided to take different routes.

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  4. I would use a butterfly as a symbol to represent my free spirit. The wings of a butterfly are symbolic of my education and determination that will help get me where I want to go. I think it also represents my transformation of a young, clueless kid to a smart, strong-minded woman.

    Christine Hadwar

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  5. One symbol that has helped me in my individualism is music. I have found multiple genres of music that have sparked my interest. Over time, my interest in music has changed. Music can spark my memory and I help me remember things from my past that I correlate with a particular song. The more music I have been exposed to, the more I have discovered what I truly like. I have my favorite songs but I also have found songs that I feel best represent me during different parts of my life.
    -Kimberlina Rodriguez

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  6. A symbol that has been a part of my process of individuation would be an eagle. An eagle represents freedom. Not only is this nation based on freedom, but my parents also gave me freedom when I was growing up. By doing that, I got the opportunity to learn from my own mistakes, and choose what I want to do with my life.
    -Yoselin Ventura (:

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  7. The symbol for me would be a shovel. This symbol would mean many things for me. It represents hard work, improvement, future growth, yet in can mean digging yourself out of a hole, at times burrying yourself. Every time I see someone with a shovel they look tired, beaten, but then at the end they are excited. For example many people utilize a shovel in their gardens. It is a lot of hard work to get a nice garden, but the rewards are fantastic to look at or eat depending on what you are growing. This is me in a nutshell. I am taking 4 classes working 50+ hours a week, on call 24 hours a day, have a wife, daughter and other family obligations. Yes I am tired but soon enough I will be able to sit back and enjoy the reward of my hard work. It can also show the crap I get myself in and have to dig along the side of the hole to stand up and get out. Yes I am tired but in the end I will look back and enjoy the time remaining.

    Cody Cleveland

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  8. I would consider a calculator to be a symbol of my process of individuation because for the most part I tend to calculate events around my life. I found out that I was good at math during my sophomore year of high school and it inspired me to become a math major. Also, people could count on me.

    JORGE DE JULIAN

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  9. The symbol that represents my process to individualism is a camera. A camera focuses on what is important in people's lives and captures those special moments. A camera only has a second to capture an image before someone or something moves or changes and then looks for the next moment to capture. I always seem to have a camera with me whether its a digital camera, a camera on a phone, or the camera on my laptop. I have learned and still continue to learn to focus on the good things in life and not to focus or dwell on the bad things. When unfortunate events happen in my life I must keep moving forward and focusing on what is important. My camera allows me to always have a souvenir of special moments in my life so I can look back and remember good times.

    By Alessandra Hoyte

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  10. I would consider a crucifix a symbol of my process of my individuation. A crucifix represents my faith, protection and guidance. In almost every room in my house we have a crucifix on the wall and even in my car I have a little one hanging. The crucifix has helped me become the person I am today because I know I am not facing any problems alone, but have my faith to guide me in the right direction and make the right decisions.

    Felicia Contreras

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  11. I would consider school to be a symbol of my process of individuation. It represents hard work, sacrifices, and prosperity. School, to me, represents the begining of a new generation because I will be the first in my family to have a degree. I am so proud for taking the decison of coming to school, and I know it will open new doors in my future.

    Lizeth Ramirez

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  12. I would consider a kayak to be one of my symbols that has helped define and shape who I am. Through kayaking I have had so many opportunities and experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise without this sport. It has become such a huge part of my life. Providing jobs and life lessons, kayaking has been one of the most influential parts in my life. Through kayaking I have also gained all of my independence and freedom.

    Jen Scarbrough

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  13. A symbol that has promoted individuation in my life has been the cross. It represents a life of sacrafice and service. It connects the mortal with the immortal. It reminds me of the purpose of my existance and that the sacrafices I make in this world cannot be compared to a life in eternity. It promotes a set of values that benifit me and serves others. It encourages the thoughts of eternity and the hope of a better tommorow. It causes me to accept my imperfections as part of my individuality and nurtures my self realization in the journey of life.
    Tony A.

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  14. The church is one symbol that has been a part of my process of individuation. For me the church symbolizes faith, peace, and happiness. Religion is a big part to my family. When I was younger I used to go to church often but now as an adult I go to church every Sunday. Sometimes I go to church during the week when I feel lonely, depressed, or uncertain of something, not necessarily when there is mass. I go and spend some time inside the church and reflect about what is happening in my life, especially of what I have done wrong. Not only does church makes me feel better, it helps me take better decision as well.
    -Janette Lopez

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  15. The symbol that represents my process of individuation would be my car because it gives me independence. It gives me the ability to go wherever I want in life. I wouldn't have to rely on anybody else to give me a ride.It also represents responsiblity because I will be the one to make the payments on the car as well as keep it in good condition.

    BY: Anthony Castro

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  16. In line with Felicia and Tony, the cross has very much been part of my process of individuation as well. For me, the cross alone represents many ideas: faith, strength, protection, fearlessness, love and humanity to name a few. They represent these qualities and notions mostly because I look for these qualities in the cross, or more specifically, God, when I am lacking in any. If I am in a situation where I am lacking in strength, I go to the cross. When I am afraid, I go to the cross to help banish my fears. When I am in need of physical/spiritual/emotional protection, I go to the cross. It greatly defines who I am and who I want to be. I try to model my actions and way of life, based on what the cross represents to me.

    - April Joy Garcera

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  17. I would consider my hiking poles as a symbol that represents the process of my individualization. I enjoy hiking, this hobby allows me to connect myself with nature and relieve stress. I tend to hike several times throughout the year and I would have to say the experiences have been remarkable. The satisfaction of being able to reach a destination is rewarding. I hike alongside my best friend and I feel that through this hobby I have been able to develop a stronger relationship with him. I have also been exposed to different landmarks that I would have never thought existed. Through this hobby, I have been able to set high goals for myself, become a stronger individual, and developed patience in life. My hiking poles go with me everywhere I hike and I feel that they are the best representation of what I enjoy doing.

    Maria Madera Herrera

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  18. I would have to say a symbol for me would be a puzzle. Puzzle because it is complicated to figure out most of the time. In my case I cannot figure myself out. I don't really know what I want most of the time and i tend to change my mind a lot, but i want give up on solving my own complicated puzzle. I will eventually complete it and figure out what i want and like.

    Jacqueline Perez

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  19. The symbol that represents my process of individuation would be a key. The first time I was handed my own pair of house keys meant responsibility, independence, and I realize my parents trusted me and consider me old enough to have my own pair of keys; this was like back when I was in elementary school. I also carry a key to turn my car, which gives me the freedom to drive myself to whatever place I dream to go and hopefully in the future I could posses a key to a home because I don’t want to live with my parents forever. I’m like everybody else, who wants to have their own place. Unfortunately, that won’t be happing soon but with commitment to my education, faith, happiness, and growth professionally and personally my hard work will pay off by being able to afford my own house someday.

    Nancy Bejar:)

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  20. The symbol that represents and shows my individuation would be a diamond. The process of becoming a diamond is not simple. A diamonds journey begins as coal and over time that simple piece of coal becomes a sparkling and beautiful diamond that shines and stands out. I believe that I am a piece of coal that is in the making of becoming that rare and unique diamond. A diamond is considered exceptional and odd because in order for it to transform from coal to a diamond it has through go through pressure, struggles, and difficulties. In life every one goes through their own personal struggles, and tribulations that get them to be the person that they are today, or they will become. Even though I am not the diamond yet, I am what is considered "a diamond in the making", ready to shine through and be that uniqueness this world needs.

    Denise Sanchez

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  21. The symbol that represents and shows my individuation would be textbooks. I know this sounds crazy however, textbooks are a source of knowledge, wisdom and education. My education will allow financial freedom and independence, stability and security. Ultimately my education is very important to me because it will have a huge impact on my families future in numerous ways.
    ~Stacy Johnson

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  22. They symbol that represents and shows my individuation would be a brain. we all have our own and our own interpretation of seeing the world. The brain signify individualism to everyone. The brain has many stages of development process from newborn, to elderly. we can obtain many things visually, orally, and etc. ~ Shyanna Atkinson

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  23. A symbol that would best represent me is a bow. It just helps me to remember that the past is the past and to always remember that the present is just that a present. It also helps me to remain focused on what I have now and to fight for the gift, which is my future.

    -Danielle Mabon

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  24. A symbol important to me was when I turned 21 years old because at this age was a transition from being a child to now being an adult. Now as an adult I think about my decisions to have a greater significance and action.

    Jose Bolanos

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  25. I would have to say my car is a symbol of my individualization. I have put so much much money into my car.

    Shawnie Speer

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