THE WISE WOMAN

The Wise Woman is an archetype in the theory of analytical psychology. Carl Jung wrote about such archetypes when discussing his theory of the Collective Unconscious. The wise woman ( and the wise man ) is found a s a symbol in many myths and fairy tales. From some research, it is the wisdom of the eternal female nature. However with all archetypes there are good and bad; light and dark features. Archetypes according to Jung help us to organize our own personal experiences. From the unconscious to the conscious experience, our own personal definition can emerge. Sometimes concepts and theories studied in psychology many years ago do emerge.They are a reminder of areas studied throughout my lifetime. Therapists who wish to be Jungian must be older and experienced. One can not train in their 20s, for example, as it is felt that there are too many life experiences that have not occurred. I used to disagree with this notion. However, living a longer life and having many more experiences than in my 20s and 30s, I now understand the rationale. I did not want to become a Jungian therapist but do appreciate some of the concepts and ideas. Along with pieces of other theories, they have become part of my practice. I love the imagery and symbolism found with Jung. The view that we all universally have a collective unconscious often manifests itself in art and literature. For example, mother and child artifacts and paintings can be found in most cultures. As with modern psychologists and practioners,  psychology benefits from all theorists. No one person can write about it all but collectively we can have a greater understanding of our motivations, perceptions and behaviours. Of course, some scientists would need empirical findings! Have you read Jung? Do you understand his concepts? Would you use his ideas in practive or life?

NANA SAYS KEEP CHILD'S PLAY SIMPLE

Each generation of parents wants their children to be brighter than the one previously and larger than life. Are computer skills at two years old really necessary? Exposing children to books, crafts, creative opportunities are the fodder for learning. Toys with bells and whistles are good too but not the only things to be available.While playing in the snow with one of my grandsons recently, I followed his lead. He likes to dig and play with his roller- his wheelbarrow. It is his machine. He was transporting the snow from one place to another. We were engaging in imaginative play. The tools- shovel, plastic wheelbarrow and snow. We were labelling, counting and using the materials at hand. Hum! Skills that could help with a lifetime? Later he wanted to play with a ball of my wool. He took it around the house- made tunnels and walls. Even Nana was on her knees crawling under his tunnel in play! Simple play. There is always the old joke- the child likes the box a toy comes in better than the toy itself. By talking with childen- language development; grammar; math- how many cookies on your plate?; science- look at the squirrel eating-where do you think he lives or observing the night sky watching the changing of the moon;  listening to music and reading from favourite books- are skills readily available to any parent rich or poor. Playing with children allows the opportunity to develop a relationship as well a teaching moment. All those little moments really are important! What simple play activities do you do? How do you engage with the children in your life? Do you have other suggestions for simple play? Following each child's interest and lead can enrich the experience.