“Consciousness is the rite of passage which allows an organism armed with the ability to regulate its metabolism, with innate reflexes, and with the form of learning known as conditioning, to become a minded organism, the kind of organism in which responses are shaped by a mental concern over the organism’s own life” (Damasio, 1999, P25).
Long ago, in the ancient mists of time, the mythical trickster god, Mercury, was born. His early escapades immediately after his birth have traveled down through the ages, recited by the poets of old, eventually finding their way into books of myth. At first sight, the story tells us about an infant inventing a lyre, satisfying his hunger by stealing oxen from the mighty god Apollo and resolution between them by Mercury gifting his lyre to Apollo and Apollo giving a caduceus to Mercury. But, on peering behind the ancient veil of story, symbolic meanings begin to unravel an eloquent system, which has survived by the telling of the tale. The system revealed, embraces the oldest needs of humans and all living creatures if they are to survive – satisfying hunger in the presence of lack, and for humans, the added complexity of satisfying physical, emotional and psychological hungers, leading to reconstitution and well-being.
Maintenance and restoration of the capacity to “live a good life” (Irvine, 2009) by experiencing well-being in ones organism and in socio-cultural experiences has been sought after since ancient times as a means to experience joy and meaning and to serve the biological value of survival (Bechara et al, 2004; Irvine, 2009; Damasio, 1994, 1999, 2010).
To learn more, contact Leslie Zimmermann on 083 384 9812 for an appointment.
About Leslie
Leslie Zimmermann is a Jungian Analyst trained in the philosophy and psychology of C.G. Jung in Zürich and is based in Johannesburg. She offers a range of services, which she integrates, to meet the needs and aspirations of people. In a word, her work is in the service of wholeness. Wholeness includes both our vulnerabilities and our strengths, becoming conscious of our own unique mix of these, honoring our own unique way of functioning and with this knowledge and confidence, contributing as only we each can in our own way, to this evolving world we find ourselves to be a part of.
Besides having a Diplomate qualification in Analytical psychology, which qualifies me to write about the theory and practice of dream interpretation, I also have an Honours degree in Applied Psychology and a Masters degree in Research psychology, which qualify me to write about theories of human development, personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, sociology and ethics. Also, theories and knowledge pertaining to sleep and dreams from a perspective of neuropsychological and biological systems.
Leslie specializes in Analytical Psychology, Voice Dialogue, Life Coaching solutions for business executives. Consulting and coaching for family owned and home-based business
For an appointment Leslie Zimmermann can be contacted on:
Email: leslie.zimmermann@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 (0)83 384 9812
Member: SAPC (South African Psychoanalytic Confederation); SAAJA (Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts); IAAP (International Association for Analytical Psychology); International Association for the Study of Dreams