Why Individuate?

C. G. Jung coined the term “individuation.” The aim and purpose of individuation, for Jung, is the fuller development of who you uniquely are.

Who are you? You may find it difficult to answer that simple question. Most people answer it by referring to outward manifestations: their age, the place of origin, their career. They might also use descriptive terms like adaptable, sociable, happy, or friendly. These are all observable attributes, observable by others, but more importantly observable by the individuals themselves.

Who is the “I” that observes oneself? That is who you are — the one who knows that the individual you were, experiencing life at age eight, is the same individual experiencing life at your current age. That “I” is your unique and authentic self. Individuation is the process of bringing that authentic and unique central person to life.

But why do that? Here are few of the outcomes of individuation:

Self-Discovery
Individuation allows you to explore and discover your true self — to confirm your core values, interests, and passions, independent of societal expectations and pressures.

Authenticity and Self-Expression
You develop that “voice” that is uniquely yours; you feel more at home “in your own skin.”

Personal Empowerment
You gain a greater sense of autonomy, self-reliance and the confidence to pursue your authentic personal aims.

Healthy Relationships
Rather than relying on others for validation or a sense of self-worth, you gain healthier and more balanced partnerships and friendships. Relationships — one of the great purposes of life — gain greater value and meaning, because you bring greater value.

Emotional Well-being
You gain greater capacity to oversee your many varied emotions. And “he who governs himself” is often greater than “who governs a whole city.”

Personal Growth and Fulfillment
You gain increased capacity to explore new possibilities, and to pursue a life aligned with your deepest sense of self.

Greater Meaning and Purpose
To be aligned with your authentic self requires alignment with what Jung called “the infinite.” It requires alignment with the spiritual leadership that holds your purpose and potential.

You Align the Lives of Others
One of C. G. Jung’s favorite parables was the parable of the “rainmaker.” A small village in China was experiencing a draught, so they called in the “rainmaker.” He withdrew to a small cottage for three days, and then the rain started to fall. People asked him how he did it. He said that when he arrived the whole village was out of alignment, so he withdrew to align himself.

Individuation is like that; as you experience a sense of peace from your own alignment, you open the pathways for others to also discover their own alignment.

Individuate — discover and develop the unique person you were born to be — and discover renewed strength, purpose, courage, and peace.