The Attitude that Changes Everything

Discover how embracing a 'symbolic attitude' unlocks deeper meaning and connects you to a more fulfilling and expansive way of life. 

In a world that often values the superficial and the immediate, it has become more commonplace for individuals to miss or completely overlook the subtle yet more profound layers of human experience. To complicate matters further, there is no end to marketing strategies aimed at convincing you that there is a quick fix to end all of your so-called problems. Whether it be the promise of re-wiring your brain in just 6 easy steps, a foolproof method to eliminate suffering, or the secret to solving all your relationship problems—it's often hard to resist such enticing suggestions. In some ways, it is easy understand why people succumb to these alluring promises, after all it's only human to want to eliminate suffering, experience greater intimacy, or desire a more peaceful way of life.

If you have ever read an article or social media post that made a promise which you recognized as sounding a little too good to be true or found yourself exploring marketing material with a healthy level of skepticism, then you are probably ahead of the curve. Unfortunately, when it comes to sensational headlines, quick sound bites and quick fixes, it is easy for any one of us to get sucked into the drama and distraction that leaves us feeling more than a little disturbed inside and largely disconnected from others and separated from deeper meaning. 

As a result of losing an inner sense of connectedness to something deeper within ourselves we, in turn, contribute to a growing sense of dis-ease within the community and the culture at large. This lack of connection and unrest also often leads to an insatiable desire to fill the empty void with anything that promises to offer a quick solution. We are in search of the magic elixir that will quell the anxieties or defend against the many looming existential crises that today's often chaotic and fast-paced world forces upon us. Consequently, it is essential to incorporate a countervailing force or attitude, one with the power to mitigate the risks involved and provide a sense connection to something deeper that safeguards the individual from getting so easily derailed from establishing deeper connections and more meaningful encounters with others and the world.  

This countervailing force or attitude is, in fact, the point of this blog — the attitude that changes everything. No, this is not hyperbole or another one of those quick fix methods. Rather, it is about developing an entirely new way of viewing the world. What is this attitude you might ask — it's called a symbolic attitude. The beauty of curating and maintaining a symbolic attitude lies in its capacity to shift your perception and ability to enhance your psychological wellbeing. Moreover, developing and incorporating this symbolic attitude stimulates more openness in relationship to difference resulting in a deeper understanding of other ways of being in the world regardless of gender, race, creed or culture.

Unlike signs which always have fixed meanings, symbols have an inexhaustible number of expressions. Each meaning varies depending on the context, and there are even dimensions of the symbol that can connect you to a more mysterious realm. Essentially, symbols can convey an essence of something ineffable and unknowable¹. Symbolic thinking is a doorway to a more intimate relationship with the world around us. It invites us to look beyond the obvious and feel the pulse of life beneath the surface. Because symbols act as a bridge between the visible and the invisible, they also allow us to grasp abstract concepts more tangibly, thus making complex ideas more accessible and meaningful. For example, a tree isn’t just a tree; it’s a symbol of growth, resilience, and strength that happens over time. When we begin to think symbolically, we stop simply skimming the surface for quick morsels so we can dive into deeper waters and taste the vast richness of true existence. Every moment becomes an opportunity to explore a deeper truth, one that speaks not just to our intellect, but to our soul. As a result, the world becomes more vivid, more muti-faceted and far more meaningful.

The role of an effective therapist, mentor, or teacher is to act as a catalyst in the alchemical equation that constitutes real change and meaningful transformation. However, in order for this sort of enduring transformation to take place, it is necessary to open the patient or student to new possibilities and expand their current viewpoints. The intrinsic value of developing a symbolic attitude lies in the ability to bring something new into the equation. This something new softens rigid patterns of thinking, facilitates the breakdown of "either/or" narratives, and invalidates forgone conclusions — strong defense mechanisms that limit transformation.  

Jung often referred to the transformative practice of depth psychological work as an alchemical process, he states, "the meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." However, in order for this kind of alchemical process to unfold it requires not only the patient or student to participate, it also demands that the catalyst undergo their own inner discovery process. Otherwise, they also run the risk of reducing a symbol to merely a sign, thereby negating the discovery of something deeper and more profound proven to bring forth meaningful and enduring transformation for patient and therapist alike.

Ultimately, having a symbolic attitude is not just about seeing the world through a depth psychological lens, it’s about living life in an entirely new way. When you nurture a symbolic attitude, you are cultivating a more expansive, deeply creative, emotionally intelligent and more fulfilling way of life².   

Learn more about how to cultivate a symbolic attitude through programs provided by Creative Depth.  Please visit Creative Depth @ https://www.creative-depth.com.

Top 9 Benefits of a Symbolic Attitude

So, what are the practical and transformative benefits of nurturing a symbolic attitude?  This list of benefits highlights not only the psychological merits it also elucidates the personal rewards and collective impact of adopting a symbolic mindset.

1. Enhanced Creativity

In a world that often overvalues logic and efficiency, symbolic thinking is the spark that ignites a creative fire and taps into a wellspring of creative potential. It calls upon our inner artist, inviting us to explore the vast landscapes of imagination, where ideas bloom like flowers in a well-tended garden. When we approach life symbolically, we see the world through a lens of possibility, where each symbol is a key that unlocks new realms of thought and expression. Symbols blur the lines between the conscious and unconscious, they reside where inspiration flows freely. They also invite new ways of thinking and seeing that open the portal to innovative ideas that might otherwise elude us. Creativity, fueled by symbolism, becomes an act of soul-making, an unspoken dance between the inner and outer worlds.

2. Stronger Emotional Intelligence

Symbols are not just intellectual tools; they are deeply tied to our emotions and instincts—reflecting our deepest emotions and experiences. When we engage with them, we not only connect with the intellectual meaning but also with the emotions they stir and the feeling tones they invoke. We gain insight into both our own feelings and the psychological landscape of others. For instance, a symbol such as a lightning bolt can trigger feelings of fear, excitement, wrath or anger. Recognizing this emotional resonance with symbols strengthens our ability to empathize and connect with others on a more profound level. This deeper connection is especially noticeable when we expand our consideration and investigate the symbol beyond merely the personal associations and amplify them to enter into the collective realm of other traditions and cultures³. In a world often disconnected, symbols teach us to listen with our hearts and deepen our ability to empathize, to feel with others, and to respond with greater compassion.

3. Richer Self-Reflection

Symbols are the language of the soul, speaking to us in whispers that can only be felt and heeded if you slow down and pause long enough to hear the beat of your own heart. When we reflect on the symbols that appear in our lives—whether within our dreams, art, or our own thoughts—we uncover layers of inner parts that have been buried beneath the chaos and noise of everyday existence. A simple symbol, like a storm, may reveal unresolved emotional turbulence or maybe clearing you out for a new delight! — either way it is a call for inner transformation. These symbolic moments are invitations for deeper introspection, urging us to step into the quiet spaces within ourselves where the most profound truths reside. By embracing a symbolic attitude we reconnect with the whispers of our soul, guiding us on a path of self-discovery and deeper healing.

4. Broader Perspective on Life

Adopting a symbolic mindset opens our eyes to the interconnectedness of all things. No longer do we see our lives as a series of isolated events, but as a rich woven tapestry, each thread holding together deeper meaning and purpose. A sunrise, for instance, is not just a beautiful natural phenomenon; it’s a reminder of the transcendent quality and mercurial presence of natural rhythms and the quiet wisdom that comes with greater consciousness. When we see through the world with a symbolic lens we no longer feel detached from the world. Instead, we feel a deep, soulful connection to it. Everything is part of a greater story—one that we are all writing together.

5. Heightened Intuition

Symbolic thinking nurtures the silent voice of intuition, the gut knowing that guides us where logic falls short. It teaches us to trust what we feel rather than just what we see or think we know. When we think in symbols, we tap into a deeper intelligence, an embodied knowing, that feels the subtle threads of connection in the bones. This intuitive wisdom isn’t loud or forceful—it’s a gentle knowing that arises from within, like the beauty of glistening dew that magically appears on a delicate spiders web. Through symbols, we learn to listen to the deeper undercurrents of life and follow the path that feels true to our own natural rhythms and our own true nature.

6. Improved Problem-Solving Skills

In times of difficulty, a symbolic perspective allows us to approach problems not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. Every challenge becomes an invitation to explore the deeper meanings of the situation. A failed relationship, for example, may symbolize an opportunity for growth, suggesting that it’s time to let go of old patterns or provide space for something new to come into your life. By seeing life’s difficulties symbolically, we shift our mindset from resistance to acceptance. A more soulful approach to problem-solving nurtures resilience and provides opportunities to develop ego integrity.

7. Stronger Sense of Purpose

Symbols are the compass that guides us towards our deepest calling. When we live a symbolic way of life we are constantly reminded that a larger narrative is also unfolding in our lives. A symbol like the lotus flower which emerges from the mud may remind us that beauty and purpose often emerge from the most difficult circumstances. Thinking symbolically helps us remember that when life is not easy or when we are stuck, there is something deeper occurring beneath the surface that will bloom at a later date — just not in the given time period or way that the ego would like it to occur. When we begin to align more deeply with our inner truth we can more readily see our daily actions as part of a much larger, sacred journey. Each step we take is then imbued with meaning, and every choice is an expression of the soul, guiding us toward a life with deeper authenticity and greater purpose.

8. Cultivates Mindfulness

A symbolic attitude invites us to slow down and truly experience the present moment. When we look at the world through a symbolic lens, even the smallest moments hold deep significance. A raindrop can symbolize renewal, a breeze, the gentle passage of time. Such symbols invite us to be fully present, to breathe in the richness of life, and to savour the subtleties of a soulful existence. By connecting with the messages conveyed through symbols, we can stop rushing through life and begin to appreciate the quiet beauty of each moment. This practice of mindful awareness can ground us to provide more rootedness in our own nature while at the same time connect us to the more spiritual aspects of the world and our place within it.

9. Increased Connection with Others

Symbols transcend the boundaries of language, culture, and time, offering us a deeper way to communicate with one another regardless of our differences. When we embrace a symbolic attitude we understand that every person also carries a different set of symbolic meanings which are rooted in their own lived experiences. A shared symbol acts like a circle, it connects, provides a sense of unity and points the way towards wholeness. Through a symbolic attitude we tap into the collective unconscious which can cultivate a sense of belonging and provide a meeting place for mutuality and togetherness that transcends difference.

Ultimately developing, nurturing, and embracing a symbolic attitude isn't just a philosophical ideal—it's a powerful tool for personal transformation. The need to develop a capacity to think symbolically isn't just necessary in light of today's fast-paced, meaning-starved and often disconnected world—it might just be the only way to combat the current levels of loneliness, lack of purpose, and loss of hope for meaningful change in the world. 

1.  C. G. Jung, Gerhard Adler, Michael Fordham, Herbert Read, & William McGuire. (2023). The Collected Works of C. G. Jung: Revised and Expanded Complete Digital Edition (Vol. 00060). Princeton University Press.
2. Hubback, J. (1969). The symbolic attitude in psychotherapy. The Journal of Analytical Psychology, 14(1), 36–47.
3. Hougham, R. (2017). Symbolic attitude. Dramatherapy: Reflections and praxis, 29-41.