I have treated many hundreds of patients. Among those in the second half of life, that is to say, over 35, there has not been one whose problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook on life.
--Carl Jung
For nearly four years, an artist, a retired lawyer, a furniture maker, a retired Episcopal priest and his wife and a teacher have synchronized their schedules to meet every other Thursday. Their diverse backgrounds make it hard to imagine what thread of commonality they share, but the six make up a Centerpoint group.
It's one of several in the Traverse City area that meets to discuss the work of 20th century Swiss psychiatrist and philosopher Carl Jung. The conversations are both complex and stimulating.
Much has been written about Jung. His delve into the collective unconscious along with his rebellious view of organized religion, might make eyes roll in traditional religious circles. But those who study Jung's ideas in depth say they come away with a deeper connection to God.
Jim Brown, a retired lawyer, belonged to a Centerpoint group prior to moving to Traverse City. He organized the group in 2004 just as another one was getting underway. Even after years of study, Brown admits Jung's philosophies are difficult to grasp. "It's a soulful kind of experience dealing with the complexities of the small compartments of a bigger picture, but I have gained in the process a more balanced sense of myself, and I can see there's definitely a higher power," he said.
Kerry Krcek of Lake Leelanau is the carpenter. He studies Jung as a way to get to know himself, to discover where the soul or spirit lies. Anna Weese of Traverse City is the painter, an Episcopalian who has studied theology for 20 years and Jungian theory for 30 years.
Kathryn Holl, the teacher, holds a degree in anthroposophy -- the study of the spirit of the human being -- applicable to the teaching philosophy at the Waldorf School in New York City where she taught.
Dorothy and Glen Williams, whose lives revolved around religion, found Jung's theories filled a spiritual void. Dorothy began her journey with Jung in Three Rivers, where Helen Luke, a Jungian student, founded the Apple Farm study center that still operates today.
Glen, a retired Episcopalian priest, also studied with Luke at Apple Farm.
"Jung allows for the importance of religion in a person's growth. In fact, Jung felt that the second half of life must have a spiritual dimension," he said.
"The ideas and principles he presents can take us deeper into our spiritual life -- to look at the dark side (death and beyond) and not be too frightened," Dorothy added.
They agree that the Centerpoint group has expand their religious beliefs.
"People seek their own true nature, the Christ within or the higher power," Glen Williams said. "This search, for Jung's students, is what gives meaning to our lives,"
To learn more about Centerpoint, call Jim Brown, 922-9389.
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