On a Path

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores intersections between the author’s process of making art and the analytic relationship. The author makes correlations between witnessing a deeply moving impressionist painting, engaging in Jung’s method of active imagination, and the experience of reverie and opening to the imagination in the clinical relationship. Opening to the unconscious, and relating consciously to what emerges, is an art and a dance that involves the capacity to play. When there are unconscious and conscious meetings, a creative process ensues and can constellate what Jung called the transcendent function, a process that often catalyzes personal transformation. In witnessing great art and engaging in a creative process within the analytic situation, there is a curiosity and willingness to be affected and bear uncertainty for the sake of new discoveries, as well as dedication to becoming a more whole human being.