I was skeptical that this would work, but I freaking love this meditation now. The first couple of times, I had pleasant imageries of childhood. As I did more, I had some unpleasant but really insightful imagery that has been super beneficial in helping me identify and let go of faulty beliefs. Also, as I encountered things, I found it helpful to ask: what do you have to show me? As he says, write it down right afterwards or you’ll forget a lot of important stuff. Have a good dig!
@@AsCrowFly So cool, really happy to hear about your experiences with it! I was skeptical when I first attempted it too, it’s just deceptively simple, right? Just keep digging? That’s it? But all thanks to Jung for developing such a powerful method. And I love that you have that question in your back pocket, I think that is a smart way to influence the session without directing it, you still let it lead. Thanks again!
The paradoxical thing about my situation was that after i digged to certain depth it resetted, i mean i was on the ground surface again like nothing was done, the grass was still there. So i politely asked the unconscious as entity to forgive me for my tendency to exploit it or treat it poorly and suddeny the ground dissappeared right where was my previous progress. I found a triangular like shape of glass, a pipe which i associate with the state flow. And i stumbled upon a red door which hallway was becoming more narrow and narrow until the point i could barely move but i made it into a dark red room full of books and a woman sitting like she expected me. I asked her what are these books significance, she answered that these are all my knowledge about everyhing. I was wondering why is it so unaccessible which is the situation in my physical life. She promised me to allow me to use it under the condition a let go of certain interest. I was frustrated but i overcame it and accepted the deal. Then when i turned my back she mentioned doesnt mean you wont practice it anymore, i turned again towards her confused, and i just said -something like a break -you are close -on my way back the corridor was wide enough so could comfortably pass through. Thanks for this guided meditation, appreciate it sincerely!!!!
@@shinjijoestar6635 Fascinating… I love that you had this dialogue. These conversations can be really surprising at times-and that’s the point! That’s how you know it isn’t just your conscious mind, and how you know you are properly engaging the unconscious-when something is uttered that would not ‘fit’ with what you normally think or say. I love that aspect of it. What you will find on repeat visits through this inner terrain is that you develop certain affinities for these figures. For example, I feel it is time to dig again soon, as it feels like two of the figures have something to communicate or I need to do something with them…like missing an old friend who you feel you should see for coffee soon. Thank you for sharing your experience! The respectful thing you spoke to your unconscious was pretty unique and wise in the moment as well.
i did this and saw lots of colors and shapes. i talked to a floating sphere of rags, i asked “who are you?” it- “i am you” me- “who am i?” it-“you are you”. i lost focus after this and had to keep digging but couldnt reach that same state except i saw the color blue a lot. ill practice this a couple times a week as this was my first time ever, thanks for this
also after opening my eyes, i was really woozy, like i just woke up from a deep nap, although i was awake. is this a good indicator of doing it right or is it just due to my eyes being closed for so long?
@@hystericaltears Glad you had some success with it! It does take a few tries to get the flow right, it’s a strange balance of being engaged but letting go. I have on occasion dozed for a few seconds in some of my sessions practicing it, it happens especially when you need sleep and are cozy, but when I came to with my eyes closed I resumed the session from where it was. So it is normal to feel that woozy feeling sometimes as your brain waves are slowing down to sleep stages. This isn’t always the case though, sometimes I come back refreshed. Hope that makes sense!
In my wanderings on UA-cam, I came across this video, and as someone for whom Jung's works have been pivotal in their personal journey, I couldn’t pass it by. If you don’t mind, I’d like to share my experience. The audio track is excellent-stimulating yet not overwhelming-and you have a soft, pleasant voice that helps to relax. So I would have loved a slightly longer introduction or guide section, though 😅 As for the main experience, I had to “dig” for quite a while. My mind resisted, and the tunnel I visualized was narrow and dark, much like the ones you’d see in the Saboteur game-tunnels dug by dwarves. Here’s where it got interesting: I lost my sense of time. It felt distorted, as though I’d been digging forever, convinced that nothing would come of the experience. Suddenly, I saw a red curtain blocking the passage. The question was it red because of my associations with The Red Book, or was it truly red-as a symbol of something evoking fear, alertness, or vitality? Either way, that’s beside the point.😅 Unfortunately, I “fell out” of the experience and can’t fully recall the interaction. I distinctly remember that something was happening behind the curtain. I recall some colors, shapes, and even the conscious thought that I was engaging with something. But when I came out of the meditation, I didn’t manage to capture any details. The room I was in had an open window, and my body started to feel cold, which pulled me out of the experience. This was followed by an intense headache-a sharp, concentrated pain in the area around my eyes. I ended the meditation a few minutes early and, as I mentioned, couldn’t retain much except for the colors and shapes. Does this mean I fell asleep? How can I “catch” these images before they slip away when I “wake up”? I assume the answers lie in repeated practice.🤔 Thank you for the video. I have one question tho, would you recommend taking breaks between such meditations (1-2 days), or is consistency the key to deeper understanding? Would it be better to practice daily? Best regards and greetings from Berlin 👋🏼
@@Aranciata35 Hi Aranciata! Thank you for your thoughtful message and for trying the medication! I have practiced this many times and have heard from many people who have also tried this guided meditation on my podcast, as I originally posted it there about four years ago. There should be no pain or headache associated with this experience, I’m sorry you felt that. And it is not engaging dreaming or lucid dreaming, so if you fall asleep then you are entering a different phase of experience and not active imagination. I understand though, there have been some times when I had a long day and I was more tired than I realized, and when I attempted to do this digging method I fell asleep. I would recommend trying it again when you know you are not physically or mentally tired. And there is nothing wrong with trying to practice it daily, except that it may not give you enough time to reflect on what was experienced or said by figures in that inner space. Definitely write down everything, this is an essential habit. I think an ideal routine, if you are looking to do it often, is once or twice a week. The experience provides a lot of richness when it does work, so even once a month can give you a lot to reflect on. Hope that helps! And good luck on the next journey inward. I would love to hear about it.
@@mikewilliams7042 Yes! Will eventually have to get around to it. Funny enough, on that topic! I am releasing a video next week about William Blake’s illustrations for the Book of Job, with an analysis of the text’s meaning.
@ Are you familiar with the Ralph Vaughan Williams Symphonic ballet, which I believe was based upon Blake’s pictures from the Book Of Job? Powerful stuff- titled “Job-A Masque for Dancing”
Thank you for developing and sharing this meditation. I tried it this morning and was surprised at what an encompassing and powerful experience it was. I experienced six levels beneath the original hole I dug, each with a completely distinct setting. I never fell asleep but a dream state/dream logic is the best comparison I have, as I gained an understanding of the context of each setting without neccesarily talking to anyone present, although there were several interactions. To be honest, the way the experience unfolded felt comparable to some psychedelic experiences I've had. I have a question- have you tried to revisit any of the settings seen from digging in subsequent meditations?
I've done this meditation twice now and both times I think were similar to how describe it. The initial digging is completely conscious and of my own volition, but after some time the experience becomes dreamlike and things begin to happen without me intentionally creating it in my imagination. I see it sort of like a mind palace. The tunnels I dug and the rooms/caves I uncovered are all intact in my mental dreamscape from my first session that it made perfect sense to me to revisit them and see what I could uncover further the second time
@@pinkfairyarmadillooo Thanks so much for sharing your experience! My sessions go in a similar fashion. Regarding visiting the same places again: instead of the same places I have had more interest in interacting with the same figures again in subsequent sessions. At times, those figures do tend to associate with a certain place, in which case the place comes back in as well. You mentioned the falling asleep, I have found there are some times when I doze for a second, but if I wake back with my eyes closed I resume the session and things continue as before uninterrupted, which is interesting. So I’m trying to say: don’t give up on the session if you do doze for a second! Sometimes, I think the shift in brainwave to sleep state can help the session sink even deeper into the unconscious. Happy digging!
@@Jacob-ib4zx Hi Jacob! That’s amazing. Congratulations on getting into the right flow state for the experience. From the accounts I have heard from others, some people seem to ‘take’ to the experience more easily than others. So-you’re a natural! Do you ever recall playing with your inner world in this way when you were a child / adolescent? I remember doing this kind of stuff at times.
Helloo! What is the source of this method? Great stuff btw. I would like to hear a longer meditation wothout the intro and more backround music after the instructions
@@fleshlyloathing9042 I have put together all the details of the method from cross referencing different moments in Jung’s writings and lectures when he mentions the process that led him to his Red Book experiences. Although there are undoubtedly similar practices in ancient traditions which inspired him, as far as we know, Jung devised this method himself.
I just did this. It has terrified me. I burst into tears and started trembling uncontrollably. Still am a bit. I want someone to explain this to me, to help somehow.
@@MarcusMattia I’m sorry you experienced such a strong and terrifying reaction. Jung sometimes warned that the unconscious is incredibly powerful and our conscious mind stays separated from it with good reason, as all of the contents of the unconscious would otherwise overwhelm us. In my experiences practicing this meditation, I can say that it is not always pleasant, and it’s important to remember that our unconscious is filled with things we also ‘hide’ or repress from ourselves. But the work is so very important. Do you have experience with practicing meditation? Are you familiar with Jung’s work?
@CreativeCodex thanks for answering. I have been probing into Jung's work for a few months now, following the end of a long-term relationship that exposed a lot of unhappiness and triggered the need for soul searching. This was the first exercise I tried. After the reaction I now feel a mixture of shock and relief. I am 56 years old and I think I can try it again, but also wondering if professional help might be advisable. Problem is, I live in a country where the language is my second tongue, and that feels relevant
I have tried meditation quite a few times, mainly just to help me sleep as I have insomnia. Not sure how useful it has been. I've also read both eckart Tolle and David Hawkins. Again, more questions raised than answers found
@ I hear ya. What is your native language? Perhaps exploring the option of finding a Jungian analyst or psychoanalyst in your home country / language you’re more comfortable with over virtual means?
@@CreativeCodex yes, I agree. I'd far prefer to find an analyst to meet face to face. I am bilingual, but I grew up initially in the UK and sense that English might be the best language for me. My neighbour, who is Italian, has read the notes I made immediately after the exercise, while I was still trembling, so still in it, and he studies psychology and reads tarot. So I am not without some help. I guess I really just commented here because it was such an effective exercise, in contrast with the huge quantity of superficial and AI nonsense that permeates UA-cam. So, a thank you really
@@ElizabethLRip Not necessarily, as it may intensify the feeling of chaos. I would recommend the Middle Pillar meditation I also have on this channel, that will help you think a little more clearly during such times and bring you back to your center. Jung’s Digging Method is especially useful when you feel some unknown pressure from your unconscious, something that wants to be said from inside of you which you cannot seem to grasp or understand. It reveals aspects of you which are influencing you from behind the curtain, outside of conscious view. If you are in active (and in your case) extreme turmoil it may exacerbate such a state. I’m sorry to hear about your troubles… I hope they resolve very soon. Do try the Middle Pillar meditation, it may help.
@@CreativeCodex Thank you for answering my question. I ask as I’m grieving the loss of my son, I know meditation can help but the meditations I look at aren’t really recommended. I did your MP meditation after seeing it recommended for doing the gateway tapes.
@@danielecolangeli37 Sure, as someone who sometimes dozes during meditations I fell ya. Make sure to do it sitting up, not lying down, be comfortable but not sleep-comfortable. I often have done it in my work desk chair (at home) which keeps my back straight or my car. If you find you are still falling asleep you probably need a nap, just take a 20 mins nap, and then sit in a chair and try it after. I have noticed my meditation visualizations have a more vivid quality after sleep. Hope that helps!
Another amazing and insightful piece. Thank you.❤🎉
@@bennymailman5500 I hope you find it useful and effective to practice. And thank you!
I was skeptical that this would work, but I freaking love this meditation now. The first couple of times, I had pleasant imageries of childhood. As I did more, I had some unpleasant but really insightful imagery that has been super beneficial in helping me identify and let go of faulty beliefs. Also, as I encountered things, I found it helpful to ask: what do you have to show me?
As he says, write it down right afterwards or you’ll forget a lot of important stuff. Have a good dig!
@@AsCrowFly So cool, really happy to hear about your experiences with it! I was skeptical when I first attempted it too, it’s just deceptively simple, right? Just keep digging? That’s it? But all thanks to Jung for developing such a powerful method. And I love that you have that question in your back pocket, I think that is a smart way to influence the session without directing it, you still let it lead. Thanks again!
The paradoxical thing about my situation was that after i digged to certain depth it resetted, i mean i was on the ground surface again like nothing was done, the grass was still there. So i politely asked the unconscious as entity to forgive me for my tendency to exploit it or treat it poorly and suddeny the ground dissappeared right where was my previous progress. I found a triangular like shape of glass, a pipe which i associate with the state flow. And i stumbled upon a red door which hallway was becoming more narrow and narrow until the point i could barely move but i made it into a dark red room full of books and a woman sitting like she expected me. I asked her what are these books significance, she answered that these are all my knowledge about everyhing. I was wondering why is it so unaccessible which is the situation in my physical life. She promised me to allow me to use it under the condition a let go of certain interest. I was frustrated but i overcame it and accepted the deal. Then when i turned my back she mentioned doesnt mean you wont practice it anymore, i turned again towards her confused, and i just said -something like a break
-you are close
-on my way back the corridor was wide enough so could comfortably pass through. Thanks for this guided meditation, appreciate it sincerely!!!!
@@shinjijoestar6635 Fascinating… I love that you had this dialogue. These conversations can be really surprising at times-and that’s the point! That’s how you know it isn’t just your conscious mind, and how you know you are properly engaging the unconscious-when something is uttered that would not ‘fit’ with what you normally think or say. I love that aspect of it. What you will find on repeat visits through this inner terrain is that you develop certain affinities for these figures. For example, I feel it is time to dig again soon, as it feels like two of the figures have something to communicate or I need to do something with them…like missing an old friend who you feel you should see for coffee soon. Thank you for sharing your experience! The respectful thing you spoke to your unconscious was pretty unique and wise in the moment as well.
i did this and saw lots of colors and shapes. i talked to a floating sphere of rags, i asked “who are you?” it- “i am you” me- “who am i?” it-“you are you”. i lost focus after this and had to keep digging but couldnt reach that same state except i saw the color blue a lot. ill practice this a couple times a week as this was my first time ever, thanks for this
also after opening my eyes, i was really woozy, like i just woke up from a deep nap, although i was awake. is this a good indicator of doing it right or is it just due to my eyes being closed for so long?
@@hystericaltears Glad you had some success with it! It does take a few tries to get the flow right, it’s a strange balance of being engaged but letting go. I have on occasion dozed for a few seconds in some of my sessions practicing it, it happens especially when you need sleep and are cozy, but when I came to with my eyes closed I resumed the session from where it was. So it is normal to feel that woozy feeling sometimes as your brain waves are slowing down to sleep stages. This isn’t always the case though, sometimes I come back refreshed. Hope that makes sense!
In my wanderings on UA-cam, I came across this video, and as someone for whom Jung's works have been pivotal in their personal journey, I couldn’t pass it by.
If you don’t mind, I’d like to share my experience.
The audio track is excellent-stimulating yet not overwhelming-and you have a soft, pleasant voice that helps to relax. So I would have loved a slightly longer introduction or guide section, though 😅
As for the main experience, I had to “dig” for quite a while. My mind resisted, and the tunnel I visualized was narrow and dark, much like the ones you’d see in the Saboteur game-tunnels dug by dwarves. Here’s where it got interesting: I lost my sense of time. It felt distorted, as though I’d been digging forever, convinced that nothing would come of the experience. Suddenly, I saw a red curtain blocking the passage. The question was it red because of my associations with The Red Book, or was it truly red-as a symbol of something evoking fear, alertness, or vitality? Either way, that’s beside the point.😅
Unfortunately, I “fell out” of the experience and can’t fully recall the interaction. I distinctly remember that something was happening behind the curtain. I recall some colors, shapes, and even the conscious thought that I was engaging with something. But when I came out of the meditation, I didn’t manage to capture any details.
The room I was in had an open window, and my body started to feel cold, which pulled me out of the experience. This was followed by an intense headache-a sharp, concentrated pain in the area around my eyes. I ended the meditation a few minutes early and, as I mentioned, couldn’t retain much except for the colors and shapes.
Does this mean I fell asleep? How can I “catch” these images before they slip away when I “wake up”? I assume the answers lie in repeated practice.🤔
Thank you for the video. I have one question tho, would you recommend taking breaks between such meditations (1-2 days), or is consistency the key to deeper understanding? Would it be better to practice daily?
Best regards and greetings from Berlin 👋🏼
@@Aranciata35 Hi Aranciata! Thank you for your thoughtful message and for trying the medication! I have practiced this many times and have heard from many people who have also tried this guided meditation on my podcast, as I originally posted it there about four years ago. There should be no pain or headache associated with this experience, I’m sorry you felt that. And it is not engaging dreaming or lucid dreaming, so if you fall asleep then you are entering a different phase of experience and not active imagination. I understand though, there have been some times when I had a long day and I was more tired than I realized, and when I attempted to do this digging method I fell asleep.
I would recommend trying it again when you know you are not physically or mentally tired. And there is nothing wrong with trying to practice it daily, except that it may not give you enough time to reflect on what was experienced or said by figures in that inner space. Definitely write down everything, this is an essential habit. I think an ideal routine, if you are looking to do it often, is once or twice a week. The experience provides a lot of richness when it does work, so even once a month can give you a lot to reflect on. Hope that helps! And good luck on the next journey inward. I would love to hear about it.
A breakdown of Jung’s Answer to Job and Aion would be incredible
@@mikewilliams7042 Yes! Will eventually have to get around to it. Funny enough, on that topic! I am releasing a video next week about William Blake’s illustrations for the Book of Job, with an analysis of the text’s meaning.
@ Are you familiar with the Ralph Vaughan Williams Symphonic ballet, which I believe was based upon Blake’s pictures from the Book Of Job? Powerful stuff- titled “Job-A Masque for Dancing”
@ oooo that I gotta look up! Thanks!
Thank you so much! Such a good ride!
Thank you for developing and sharing this meditation. I tried it this morning and was surprised at what an encompassing and powerful experience it was. I experienced six levels beneath the original hole I dug, each with a completely distinct setting. I never fell asleep but a dream state/dream logic is the best comparison I have, as I gained an understanding of the context of each setting without neccesarily talking to anyone present, although there were several interactions. To be honest, the way the experience unfolded felt comparable to some psychedelic experiences I've had. I have a question- have you tried to revisit any of the settings seen from digging in subsequent meditations?
I've done this meditation twice now and both times I think were similar to how describe it. The initial digging is completely conscious and of my own volition, but after some time the experience becomes dreamlike and things begin to happen without me intentionally creating it in my imagination.
I see it sort of like a mind palace. The tunnels I dug and the rooms/caves I uncovered are all intact in my mental dreamscape from my first session that it made perfect sense to me to revisit them and see what I could uncover further the second time
@@pinkfairyarmadillooo Thanks so much for sharing your experience! My sessions go in a similar fashion. Regarding visiting the same places again: instead of the same places I have had more interest in interacting with the same figures again in subsequent sessions. At times, those figures do tend to associate with a certain place, in which case the place comes back in as well. You mentioned the falling asleep, I have found there are some times when I doze for a second, but if I wake back with my eyes closed I resume the session and things continue as before uninterrupted, which is interesting. So I’m trying to say: don’t give up on the session if you do doze for a second! Sometimes, I think the shift in brainwave to sleep state can help the session sink even deeper into the unconscious. Happy digging!
@@Jacob-ib4zx Hi Jacob! That’s amazing. Congratulations on getting into the right flow state for the experience. From the accounts I have heard from others, some people seem to ‘take’ to the experience more easily than others. So-you’re a natural! Do you ever recall playing with your inner world in this way when you were a child / adolescent? I remember doing this kind of stuff at times.
Helloo! What is the source of this method? Great stuff btw. I would like to hear a longer meditation wothout the intro and more backround music after the instructions
@@fleshlyloathing9042 I have put together all the details of the method from cross referencing different moments in Jung’s writings and lectures when he mentions the process that led him to his Red Book experiences. Although there are undoubtedly similar practices in ancient traditions which inspired him, as far as we know, Jung devised this method himself.
I just did this. It has terrified me. I burst into tears and started trembling uncontrollably. Still am a bit. I want someone to explain this to me, to help somehow.
@@MarcusMattia I’m sorry you experienced such a strong and terrifying reaction. Jung sometimes warned that the unconscious is incredibly powerful and our conscious mind stays separated from it with good reason, as all of the contents of the unconscious would otherwise overwhelm us. In my experiences practicing this meditation, I can say that it is not always pleasant, and it’s important to remember that our unconscious is filled with things we also ‘hide’ or repress from ourselves. But the work is so very important. Do you have experience with practicing meditation? Are you familiar with Jung’s work?
@CreativeCodex thanks for answering. I have been probing into Jung's work for a few months now, following the end of a long-term relationship that exposed a lot of unhappiness and triggered the need for soul searching. This was the first exercise I tried. After the reaction I now feel a mixture of shock and relief. I am 56 years old and I think I can try it again, but also wondering if professional help might be advisable. Problem is, I live in a country where the language is my second tongue, and that feels relevant
I have tried meditation quite a few times, mainly just to help me sleep as I have insomnia. Not sure how useful it has been. I've also read both eckart Tolle and David Hawkins. Again, more questions raised than answers found
@ I hear ya. What is your native language? Perhaps exploring the option of finding a Jungian analyst or psychoanalyst in your home country / language you’re more comfortable with over virtual means?
@@CreativeCodex yes, I agree. I'd far prefer to find an analyst to meet face to face. I am bilingual, but I grew up initially in the UK and sense that English might be the best language for me. My neighbour, who is Italian, has read the notes I made immediately after the exercise, while I was still trembling, so still in it, and he studies psychology and reads tarot. So I am not without some help. I guess I really just commented here because it was such an effective exercise, in contrast with the huge quantity of superficial and AI nonsense that permeates UA-cam. So, a thank you really
Im always too distracted, but it does indeed work
Dude yes
@@roadopener Hope you enjoy! Good luck on the descent. 🌚
Would you recommend this to someone going through extreme emotional turmoil?
@@ElizabethLRip Not necessarily, as it may intensify the feeling of chaos. I would recommend the Middle Pillar meditation I also have on this channel, that will help you think a little more clearly during such times and bring you back to your center. Jung’s Digging Method is especially useful when you feel some unknown pressure from your unconscious, something that wants to be said from inside of you which you cannot seem to grasp or understand. It reveals aspects of you which are influencing you from behind the curtain, outside of conscious view. If you are in active (and in your case) extreme turmoil it may exacerbate such a state. I’m sorry to hear about your troubles… I hope they resolve very soon. Do try the Middle Pillar meditation, it may help.
@@CreativeCodex Thank you for answering my question. I ask as I’m grieving the loss of my son, I know meditation can help but the meditations I look at aren’t really recommended. I did your MP meditation after seeing it recommended for doing the gateway tapes.
I tried this but I fell asleep, do you have any advice to help me?
@@danielecolangeli37 Sure, as someone who sometimes dozes during meditations I fell ya. Make sure to do it sitting up, not lying down, be comfortable but not sleep-comfortable. I often have done it in my work desk chair (at home) which keeps my back straight or my car. If you find you are still falling asleep you probably need a nap, just take a 20 mins nap, and then sit in a chair and try it after. I have noticed my meditation visualizations have a more vivid quality after sleep. Hope that helps!
FIRST
@@vvessel_ 🥇🎉✨😄