There Is No Spoon

In this episode, we return to the themes we’ve been exploring throughout the previous thirteen conversations — the Midlife Passage and what it asks of us. We revisit key ideas from earlier episodes and take a step further by using the symbolic language of alchemy to understand what is happening within us during this profound life transition. As Jung suggested, alchemy offers a powerful metaphor for inner transformation — one that helps illuminate the psychological processes at work when our old identity begins to dissolve and something new, yet unknown, starts to emerge.Sources of quotes in this episode:Carl Jung, Letters, Vol. 1, p. 483Carl Jung, Collected Works (CW 17, §308)James Hollis, The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in MidlifeZen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings

If you've lost the meaning of life, should you be upset and rush to find it again?A traditional psychological issue for a person standing at the midpoint of life’s journey is a crisis of meaning. The goals and purposes that once worked no longer do, and new ones have yet to emerge. But is that really the root of the problem?In this episode, we’ll explore a different perspective—one in which meaninglessness is seen as a symptom — and see what kind of conclusions we arrive at in the end.Authors and Thinkers Mentioned in This Episode:- Carl Gustav Jung- Viktor Frankl- Jordan Peterson- Søren Kierkegaard- Paul Tillich- James Hollis

We often fear loneliness, desperately trying to avoid it like the plague. But here's the twist: loneliness isn’t just something to run from — it’s actually a key player in our journey toward self-understanding.In this episode of the podcast, we’ll discuss why solitude is essential for navigating the middle of life, how it helps shift our focus from the Ego–World axis to the Ego–Self axis, and, of course, the inevitable hurdles that come with it. Drawing on the wisdom of James Hollis and Irvin Yalom, we also take a slight detour into Star Wars territory.Tune in to find out how solitude can be your best ally in this whole self-discovery thing.

Have you ever thought about how the way you think about death might affect the way you live? Many depth psychologists believe that the task of the second half of life is to prepare for death — from Eros to Thanatos. In my view, this is one of the most important yet most taboo topics in modern society.How fundamental is the fear of death? Why is immortality problematic, and how is this reflected in the myth of Eos and Tithonus? Why is the awareness and acceptance of one’s mortality the most crucial task of the midlife transition? We explore these questions in the new episode."Life is a short episode between two great mysteries, which in reality are one and the same."— Carl Jung, Letters, vol. 1, p. 483.Sources mentioned:Leo Tolstoy, The Death of Ivan IlyichPhilippe Ariès, Western Attitudes Toward DeathJames Hollis, The Middle PassageIrvin Yalom, Existential PsychotherapyGreek mythology: the story of Eos and TithonusCarl Jung, Letters

In this episode, we’ll explore Carl Jung's theory of psychological types and how they help us understand ourselves. Jung identified four key functions through which we interact with the world: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. We use all of them, but one always takes the lead, while the opposite function remains the weakest and least noticeable.Throughout life, we develop our strengths, relying on them in our careers, relationships, and personal growth. But what if, at some point, that’s no longer enough? Our weakest function comes to the forefront in midlife, demanding our attention.How can we identify our weak spots? Why is it crucial for personal wholeness? And how can we develop them to reach a new level in life?

At midlife, one of the most important skills is knowing when to pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself the right questions. Doing so helps you reflect on your life experiences and aspirations while mapping out a meaningful path forward. But what should you be asking yourself? Who am I? and What do I want? — while important — are often too abstract. Something more specific is needed.In this episode, we’ll turn to the questions proposed by Jungian psychologist James Hollis in Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. So, grab a pen and paper—I hope this episode serves as a strong starting point for self-reflection.

Modern psychology talks a lot about self-care — prioritising your well-being, setting boundaries, and nurturing your mind and body. And while this is undeniably important, is it truly enough?In my view, beyond physical health, mental balance, personal growth, and social connections, there’s a deeper, often overlooked dimension — the existential one.What does it mean to take care of yourself existentially? How does it shape the way you live, create, and find meaning? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.

In the previous episode, we briefly touched on the saying, "More knowledge, more sorrow." In the context of self-actualization, it seems somewhat strange: if it's true, then why pursue personal growth at all? We discussed that life itself forces us to engage in this process. But why does this happen? What kind of knowledge are we talking about? Is it possible to avoid awareness and remain forever happy?In this episode, we’ll explore concepts such as existential anxiety, the shadow self, and the tension between individuation and social adaptation. Why does deeper awareness often come with discomfort? Can we truly remain blissfully ignorant?We’ll turn to the ideas of Ecclesiastes, Carl Jung, and James Hollis, reflecting on how wisdom and self-discovery shape our experience of meaning — and suffering. Join us as we unpack the weight of knowing and its role in personal transformation.

What is the essence of true independence? We challenge the common misconception between "looking independent", genuine autonomy, and being independent, exploring how our decisions are often unconsciously guided by inherited patterns and societal expectations. Discover why real independence requires confronting uncomfortable truths about our desires and motivations, and learn how external responsibilities often overshadow our internal compass. Whether you're questioning your life choices or seeking authentic autonomy, this episode offers crucial insights into breaking free from unconscious patterns and finding your own path.

Ever wondered why we sometimes see the world through rose-colored glasses, only to have them shatter in midlife? In this episode, we dive deep into psychological projection — not just as a fancy term, but as a mechanism that shapes our entire worldview. We'll explore how these mental "ready-made models" help us navigate life... until they don't. From understanding why our carefully constructed projections start falling apart in midlife to discovering the opportunity for authentic growth that lies in this crisis, we'll examine what Jung called "second adulthood" — a chance to finally hear our own voice among the chorus of parental and societal expectations.