There is a thinking in primordial images, in symbols which are older than the historical man, which are inborn in him from the earliest times, eternally living, outlasting all generations, still make up the groundwork of the human psyche. It is only possible to live the fullest life when we are in harmony with these symbols; wisdom is a return to them. —Carl Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul
(Practicing Symbolic Thinking – August Update 2025)
From Laura – on “failing forward”
Dear subscribers, friends, supporters,
Rick and I are re-watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for the third time. If you haven’t yet seen it (on Amazon Prime), it’s a brilliant comedy (with lots of big musical numbers). All the main characters struggle and each has their own story of individuation, which feels very true-to-life. In this viewing I’m struck by the struggles of comic Miriam Maisel and her agent, Suzie Myerson. They are doing the best they can but both women are far out of their depth, making huge mistakes in their quest for success.
I can relate. Just like Miriam and Suzy, I’m struggling (with a new software that hosts our brand new Monthly Film Club), Just like these women, I’m destined to make many mistakes during the learning curve. It’s not fun but that is what all creative tasks require. Mistakes – learning – missteps – more learning.
Whenever we stand in the tension of opposites, we enter a creative opportunity. This might be home challenges in daily life, or larger cultural conflicts. When we allow a place of “not-knowing” we are in the creative space.
I’ve been reminding myself lately that if I risk creativity I will “fail.” But like Miriam and Suzy, I can get back on that horse, stage, or website, and keep trying.
As Rick and I launch this new venture, we thank you for your kind understanding (and support!)
If you’d like to try the one month subscription – Free Fairy Tale Film This Month –Use this code–LR2PB6DL (You will have to type it, instead of copying).
The Monthly film club was born from the desire to help make my films more useful. Instead of just adding another film to my website, Rick and I have launched a platform that will feature one film a month, with customized questions and suggestions on how to use the films for inner-work.
While It’s always fun to explore films and other symbol systems in groups, the film club is an asynchronous platform which means you can watch on your own schedule. The monthly switch can give us an impetus to get it into our schedule! (Too much to do these days!) There is a chance to share questions and insights on the platform itself or on our active FB page.
“Speaking” the language of symbols requires practice. Writing and exploring our nighttime dreams, working with the I Ching or tarot, reading myths and fairy tales are all great ways of practicing this language. Our little films are another (fun) way to step into a creative place of not-knowing, letting the story and images work on us. I continue to practice with my films and these other symbol systems. I’m happy to find that my comfort and facility with symbols grows (however slowly).
We hope you will join us! Our films are short, like dreams. They offer many layers and possible meanings and because they have the wisdom of fairy tales, they have, like dreams, offered me actual direction in my daily life.
Join us for a month! August we are exploring one of our early films “The Linguist.” Taking some time to slow down and check in, even with a film I’ve seen numerous times, always yields insights and smiles.
If you’d like to try the one month subscription – Free Fairy Tale Film This Month –Use this code–LR2PB6DL (You will have to type it, instead of copying).
Practicing Symbolic Thinking – Podcast News
Our podcast journey continues to amaze me. Marci and I enter the sound booth every few weeks, not knowing what the other will say. Half the time we don’t know what we are going to say either! But as listeners have noted, we are good conversation partners.
For my part, I continue each week to bring the spirit of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, Michael Meade, and other mythologists and depth psychologists into our exploration of the New and Old Testament readings of the church calendar.
As promised, there is also lots of laughter.
If the Christian story lives in you, you may want to check out a few episodes. We’d love you to join the conversation.
Practicing Symbolic Thinking – Rumpelstiltskin
Poor Rumpel! He sits waiting for me in the basement. I’ll be back shortly, I promise! But these exciting projects have kept me in the sound booth and at the computer. I look forward to finishing this film soon.
To receive info on these and other events, please follow any of our social media links.
We appreciate you! And as a thank you we wanted to share one of our experimental films. Yes, they are ALL experiments but this film has ADULT LANGUAGE and some doll-gore. “Jammed” is based on a brilliant play by Vince Gatton.
Please share this newsletter and our films with anyone you know who is interested in Jungian psychology, inner-work, imagination, and subversive homemade art.
