Through a Jungian Lens

On the way to the main university campus (I teach on a second campus) I came across this little guy sitting on a branch.  I had quite a chase before finally getting a decent photo.  He seemed to “know” when the camera was pointed at him, even though I was using a telephoto lens which meant I didn’t get very close at all.  He definitely was skittish about having his photo taken.  Shortly after taking his photo, I went to the FAO leader’s office where I signed a contract for another year of teaching at the university.  This will be the fourth such contract.  Interesting as this was not what my intentions were when I began the side journey into teaching in China.  I had originally thought of a one-year contract with the option of moving on to other countries.  Now, it is four years in one school in one city in one country.

Having a base in China, I definitely been more comfortable with my travels to other places in China as well as other countries in Asia.  The stability of place allows me a sense of a safety net.  I feel free to wander knowing that I have a place not-too-distant in which to return for revitalization.  What is most surprising is the fact that I found this place of safety far from my foundational home in Canada.  It is as though I went on a journey of discovery and found a distant port to act as a halfway house for my self.

This is a good analogy of what I experienced as I dared to journey within, leaving the known world for the shadowy world within.  Though I didn’t really want to take the journey, preferring instead to remain in the stuck patterns of familiarity, my sanity forced me to take the risk.  In the process of discovering new places within, I was able to build rest stops from which I could make smaller round trips into the unknown.  Now, the inner world is not so terrifying.  I know that I have carved a path back to ego that lets me know that I am remaining somewhat sane as I change.

My wings take me just as swiftly to a safe place, not much different than this little fellow.