CARL JUNG'S GUIDED MEDITATION: CONFRONTING THE PERSONAL MYTH

The Story of Your Life

Jung believed that each of us lives within a personal myth—a narrative framework through which we make sense of our experiences and construct our identity. Today's meditation guides you to confront and examine your personal myth, the story you've been living within, and consider how it might evolve as you continue your individuation journey.

This meditation builds upon all your previous inner work, bringing together insights gained from encounters with your shadow, anima/animus, and wise figures. By becoming conscious of your personal myth, you gain the power to transform it—to author a more authentic and meaningful life story aligned with your deeper values and potentials.

Meditation Instructions

1. 1. Returning to Your Sacred SpaceBegin by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Take several deep breaths to center yourself. Use your established method to return to your sacred inner space. Notice how this space feels after your previous journeys and encounters.
2. 2. The Story TheaterWithin your sacred space, notice that a theater or stage area is forming—a place where stories can be told and witnessed. This might appear as an ancient amphitheater, a modern stage, or any other setting that represents a place for narrative and meaning-making in your personal symbology.
3. 3. The Book of Your LifeAs you approach this theater, notice that there is a book or scroll—the book of your life story. Take it in your hands and feel its weight, texture, and energy. This represents the personal myth you've been living within. When you're ready, open it and begin to read.
4. 4. Your Current MythAs you read, the characters and scenes from your life story begin to appear on the stage before you. Notice the central themes, recurring patterns, and core beliefs that have shaped your narrative. What roles have you played? What challenges and quests have defined your journey? What beliefs about yourself and the world are embedded in this story?
5. 5. The Author AppearsAs you witness your life story playing out, notice a figure approaching—the author of your personal myth. This may be an aspect of yourself, or it may appear as a distinct character. Engage this figure in dialogue. Ask: "Why have you written my story this way? What purpose has this narrative served? What aspects of this story still serve me, and what might be ready for revision?"
6. 6. The Inner CouncilNow invite the inner figures you've met in previous meditations—your shadow, anima/animus, and wise guide—to join you as a council of advisors. Ask each what they see in your personal myth and what revisions they might suggest for the next chapter of your life. Listen to their perspectives and insights.
7. 7. Revising Your MythWith these insights, return to your book. Notice that the final chapters are still unwritten. Take up a pen and begin to write how you would like your story to unfold—not in terms of external events, but in terms of the meaning, qualities, and values you wish to embody. How might your narrative evolve to incorporate all aspects of yourself more authentically?
8. 8. The New ChapterAs you write, notice that the stage before you begins to shift, showing scenes from this new chapter of your life. Observe how it feels to witness this emerging story. What qualities and experiences does it contain? How does this revised narrative feel in your body and heart?
9. 9. Return JourneyWhen you feel complete with this process, close the book of your life, knowing you can return to it and continue revising your story as you grow. Express gratitude to your inner council for their guidance. Then gradually return to your sacred space and, when ready, to ordinary awareness.

Reflection Questions