Active Imagination. Transforming fantasy into awareness (1)

In dream work we are trying to decode the meaning of the message sent by the unconscious to the Ego. But how can we go the other way around – going consciously to aspects of the unconscious?
The language of the unconscious is symbolic. Active Imagination is analytic psychology’s specific way of understanding and developing it. In this way, the images behind the emotions come to life, take on a voice, and the person can establish a dialog with the unconscious, enriching the soul with a broader knowledge of himself or herself.
In analytical psychology, Active Imagination is an introspective approach that creates a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious. It is viewed as a process, rather than a technique, thus emphasizing the individual and dynamic approach in which the person is guided by the wisdom of the Self for a deeper knowledge of their his/her person.
Active Imagination takes the form of a dialogue, through which we invite unconscious elements to come to the light of consciousness.
What are the steps through which we can create this dialogue that can resemble a dance?
Inspired by the book “Inner Work. Using dreams and active imagination for personal growth” (Robert A. Johnson) I have synthesized the four steps that the author proposes for Active Imagination.
Step 1. Invitation (to the unconscious as an opening for dialogue)
When do we need to take a conscious step towards the unconscious to bring to light truths that are still unknown?
A clue could be when we have a recurring dream, a dream in which a situation has remained unfinished, or a dream whose echoes are felt after we wake up. This means that there are unconscious aspects that seek to be seen, listened to and understood.
Or, on the contrary, perhaps there is a period of “aridity” of creative fantasy, in which we are disconnected from the inner world that needs to be cared for and “watered”.
How can we invite the unconscious to speak to us?
First of all, we need to give ourselves the necessary time and space, to free ourselves from the flow of thoughts and to cultivate a state of active waiting. It is a lesson of patience and acceptance. We are patient for an unconscious aspect (personified) to enter the field of inner consciousness. At the same time, it is necessary to accept without criticism or judgment that unconscious content (inner character) that has emerged and received the invitation to dialogue.
Once the inner image has taken shape, we let ourselves be carried by it, without trying to control the direction of the dialogue. We can ask it “Who are you?”, “What do you have to tell me?”. Inviting does not mean controlling, but allowing an attitude of curiosity to be experienced.
In what direction will the dialogue with the unconscious aspect take us?

Step 2. The dialogue
A good dialogue requires curiosity, a willingness to listen, and an appropriate and ethical attitude (described in step three).
How do we develop dialogue with the unconscious aspect?
Once an unconscious aspect has received the invitation to dialogue, we give it our full attention and without being distracted by other images or unconscious content that may arise. Full participation is the essence of Active Imagination, and the emotional response is an important element of this approach.
Then, we are curious and try to get to know it. We let the questions arise and allow the answers to come at their own pace. Questions like “Who are you?” and “What do you have to tell me?” can open the dialogue from Active Imagination.
We can write the dialogue so that we can focus and take the experience as deeply as possible.
How do we let the dialogue flow freely, without controlling the direction in which it evolves?
In everyday conversations, a good conversation means equal time for each participant. The same guideline applies to the dialogue in Active Imagination. Our experience is enriched if we offer respect, kindness, and freedom of expression to the instances from the realm of the unconscious. An open and curious attitude will help build the dialogue.
Also, Active Imagination does not manipulate the dialogue. It is different from guided imagery, in which there is a pre-established script and in which the conscious aspect decides what to take from the unconscious, which is offered a role of “provider” rather than an equal partner.

Read here Active Imagination. Transforming fantasy into awareness (2)

Anca Ghearasămescu
Jungian Psychotherapist, IAAP Router