Can you hear the music

 Music has an enchanting power of rhythm which resonates with all creatures.  Peppy music invariably wants to make us dance and groove, melancholic tunes induce feelings of sadness in us. There is an analogy between music and the rhythms of nature. We humans being the children of nature follow the dictates of nature. As children we are universally innocent of guile, spontaneous and playful. At this stage we follow the dictates of nature and mothers- eating and sleeping as they deem necessary. In nature also birds and animals generally wake up at dawn with their energies peak, slowly the energy dwindles towards evening and a feeling of stupor and lethargy creeps in at sunset, and then all creatures sleep at sundown to awaken the next day. As adults our entire working life is usually spent in a restless dance of activity - working at home, working in the office, worrying about finances, about family. This endless routine and rhythm is so relentless and exhausting that it becomes inbuilt in us. But change is the motto of life. Slowly but surely the music changes, from fast and furious to a slower tempo in our forties and fifties with family responsibilities becoming lesser, till one day the day of retirement when the frenetic pace gives way to a more sedate music. Slow down, listen to the rhythm of nature, it says, look around you, to the beauty of flowers, the passage of seasons, to the birdsong we have ignored for so long! 

Review of Netflix show: Emily in Paris

 The show Emily in Paris on Netflix is truly great. So upbeat and positive! The location shots of Paris like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, Sacre Cour are beautiful. Enjoyed the show so much that I was enticed to learn French on Duolingo. 

The series is based on the protagonist Emily who was working in a marketing firm in Chicago getting transferred to Paris. The show is about her new life in the city of Paris- the friends she makes like Gabriel, a chef and Mindy, a singer, the challenges she faces in her new job - with her tough boss Sylvie and other colleagues, and her love life which just seems to fizzle out after every season. 

I liked the characters in the show. Emily seems to be such a fun and chill person! Always smiling and upbeat, even when she is faced with working with some surly and unfriendly french colleagues . Her outfits are a dream- vibrant and arresting. The serial gives a glimpse into how marketing of luxury brands take place. It features the breathtaking scenery of French cities -Paris, Cannes, Champagne, french countryside. Food and music also form part of the entire serial, with Emily's friend Mindy the singer showcasing her singing talents in some of the episodes. Emily's love interest's Gabriel and Alfie are good too. The light hearted and upbeat tone of the show is what I liked the most.

6 Powerful Lessons by Carl Jung

 1. The shadow self: embracing your darkness 

Jung introduced the concept of the “shadow”—the unconscious part of our personality that holds repressed emotions, fears, and desires. He believed that confronting and integrating our shadow is essential for personal growth. Many people suppress aspects of themselves they find unacceptable—anger, envy, selfishness—only to see these traits manifest in destructive ways. By acknowledging and working with our shadow, we can harness its energy for self-improvement rather than letting it control us unconsciously.

 How to apply this lesson: 

Practice self-reflection and journaling to identify your shadow traits. Observe emotional triggers and explore what they reveal about your hidden fears. 

Accept and integrate these aspects rather than suppressing them. 

2. Individuation: becoming your true self 

Jung emphasised individuation—the process of becoming whole by integrating different aspects of our personality. Many people live according to societal expectations, suppressing their true selves in the process. Individuation is about embracing all parts of yourself, including your intellect, emotions, and intuition, to develop a unique and authentic identity. Those who fail to embark on this journey may feel disconnected from their true purpose. 

How to apply this lesson: Listen to your inner voice rather than external pressures.

 Pursue passions that align with your deeper self. 

Engage in personal development activities like meditation and creative expression. 

3. Synchronicity: recognising meaningful coincidences

Jung coined “synchronicity” to describe meaningful coincidences that seem too significant to be mere chance. These events can serve as guideposts, helping us make sense of life’s mysteries. Have you ever thought about an old friend, only for them to call you the next day? Or come across a book at the perfect moment in your life? Jung suggested that the universe communicates with us in subtle ways, and being open to these synchronicities can deepen our understanding of our journey. How to apply this lesson: Pay attention to recurring patterns in your life. Keep a journal of significant coincidences. Trust your intuition when making important decisions. 

4. Archetypes: understanding universal symbols 

Jung identified recurring symbols and themes in myths, dreams, and cultures worldwide, calling them archetypes. Examples include the Hero, the Wise Old Man, the Mother, and the Trickster. Understanding archetypes can help us recognise patterns in our own lives. For example, if you constantly find yourself in situations requiring courage, you may be on a Hero’s journey. How to apply this lesson: Study archetypes in literature, films, and myths. Identify which archetype resonates with your current life stage. Use this awareness to guide personal development. 

5. The collective unconscious: tapping into shared wisdom 

Jung proposed that beyond our subconscious, we all share a deeper layer of the psyche—the collective unconscious. This is why cultures across time and geography have similar myths and symbols. Recognising this interconnectedness can help us find wisdom beyond our individual experiences. It also fosters a sense of unity with humanity, making us more empathetic and open-minded. How to apply this lesson: Study cultural myths and traditions to gain insights into human nature. Meditate on symbols that appear in your dreams. Engage in deep conversations about philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. 

6. Dream analysis: unlocking hidden messages 

Jung placed great importance on dreams as messages from the unconscious mind. He believed that dreams reveal insights about our fears, desires, and unresolved conflicts. By analysing dreams, we can uncover parts of ourselves that need attention, leading to greater self-awareness and healing. How to apply this lesson: Keep a dream journal and write down recurring themes. Look for symbols and emotions rather than literal meanings. Consult Jungian interpretations to understand deeper meanings. 

Conclusion Carl Jung’s teachings offer a roadmap to understanding ourselves at a profound level. His insights help us navigate life with greater awareness and authenticity, from embracing our shadow to recognising synchronicities.