As just a quick and final blog, I too, would like to thank each of you for enriching my learning this semester. This class has been such an eye opening adventure that has delved deeper than just my education. It has truly touched my life an has inspired an entirely different facet of my personality that I wasn't aware existed. So a genuine Thank You to all the glorious blogs. They are insightful, charming, intuitive, hilarious. Thank You for all the wonderful presentations. I appreciate all the life that was brought to the stories and the interpretations that naturally arose with the differing personalities. And of course to our dear Professor Sexson. Every class was a gift. I consistently left the classroom awestruck, lost in thought, and always smiling. I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel towards your instruction, so simply, thank you. I can feel the bittersweet nostalgia creeping up already!
Happy holidays and BE SAFE!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Pursuit of Happiness
I had a small personal debate about the topic I wanted to explore for the final paper and ended up choosing the psychoanalysis of Henderson, however, I loved Henderson's theory of becoming vs. being and thought I would touch on the subject just a bit.
I cannot help but assume that a lot of people, Americans in particular, suffer from Hendersonism. Yes, that is a clinically classified disorder as per the Psychological DSM-IV, thank you very much! We are always thinking about something that is wanted or even not wanted. "I want...I want...I want...", it is so repetitive and has seemed to get consistently more redundant as we have read The Rain King and have gotten to experience the presentations of my classmates. "What do you want for dinner?", "What do you want for Christmas?", "What do you want to do with a Psychology major??", It seems everything we do is to get some kind of satisfaction later. It seems everything we do is to satisfy someONE else later. There are always motivations for our wanting actions, and some of them seem necessary and very relevant. For example, with the end of the semester coming to a close and all..."I want to stay up for an unruly amount of hours writing papers and cramming for finals because someday I want to have a successful career." Is it worth it? Why do we push ourselves to unhealthy limits because we think, sorry, correction, we know that someday it will all pay off? Someday we will look back on our experience and know the all of the crushing hours of studying and thousands of dollars paid to the university will eventually lead to our success and ultimate happiness. Yes, I believe we have all experienced a bit of Hendersonism. We have all experienced becoming. Working towards that goal. Striving for it. Wanting it. Want want wanting it.
I began writing this as a contemplation just of being and becoming, however, in the process I have been reminded of how I have fallen completely victim of Hendersonism. I haven't slowed down for even a second this semester to decide what is really important and how to flow with life, breathing, living, accepting, and enjoying. So in light of the holiday season, a time for friends, family, and festivities, I would like to send out another little reminder to myself and to all of you to slow down. Take some time out for yourself. Observe your surroundings. Breathe. Meditate. Write. Read. Create. Cherish your friends. Cherish your family. Quit wanting. Just be.
As a close, I came across this quote I found to be quite applicable:
I cannot help but assume that a lot of people, Americans in particular, suffer from Hendersonism. Yes, that is a clinically classified disorder as per the Psychological DSM-IV, thank you very much! We are always thinking about something that is wanted or even not wanted. "I want...I want...I want...", it is so repetitive and has seemed to get consistently more redundant as we have read The Rain King and have gotten to experience the presentations of my classmates. "What do you want for dinner?", "What do you want for Christmas?", "What do you want to do with a Psychology major??", It seems everything we do is to get some kind of satisfaction later. It seems everything we do is to satisfy someONE else later. There are always motivations for our wanting actions, and some of them seem necessary and very relevant. For example, with the end of the semester coming to a close and all..."I want to stay up for an unruly amount of hours writing papers and cramming for finals because someday I want to have a successful career." Is it worth it? Why do we push ourselves to unhealthy limits because we think, sorry, correction, we know that someday it will all pay off? Someday we will look back on our experience and know the all of the crushing hours of studying and thousands of dollars paid to the university will eventually lead to our success and ultimate happiness. Yes, I believe we have all experienced a bit of Hendersonism. We have all experienced becoming. Working towards that goal. Striving for it. Wanting it. Want want wanting it.
I began writing this as a contemplation just of being and becoming, however, in the process I have been reminded of how I have fallen completely victim of Hendersonism. I haven't slowed down for even a second this semester to decide what is really important and how to flow with life, breathing, living, accepting, and enjoying. So in light of the holiday season, a time for friends, family, and festivities, I would like to send out another little reminder to myself and to all of you to slow down. Take some time out for yourself. Observe your surroundings. Breathe. Meditate. Write. Read. Create. Cherish your friends. Cherish your family. Quit wanting. Just be.
As a close, I came across this quote I found to be quite applicable:
for a long time it seemed that life was about to begin but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. this has helped me to see there is no way TO happiness. happiness IS the way. treasure every moment. time waits for no one. happiness is a journey, not a destination...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Its all cyclical
Mythologies. Ah. It really is all around us. I actually cannot even imagine how I never before made the connections but am so grateful for the eye opening experience this semester has brought to me. In the beginning, I was quite unsure about how I would tackle the variety of classes I had signed up for. They were all so different and ranged from a 100 level human development class and 200 level technology class to a 400 level field practicum. I was looking forward to the random assortment of courses but was also questioning how I would relate them in a way to stay focused and maintain cohesion throughout the long days. I began by overly taking notes and squeezing little memos into my agenda to help remind me of all the assignments and tasks, thoroughly and quite efficiently becoming overwhelmed as I worked to keep up with my case load. However, the familiarity eventually took over and I was able to pace myself through the day. Throughout the semester, Professor Sexson kept commenting on daily occurances that were undeniably "profoundly mythological" and how every story is within another story.
In my human development class we have cycled through conception to childhood, adolescence to adulthood and are finishing up the semester with old age and death. Interestingly enough, people fear death the most in adulthood because they have overcome their feelings of being invincible while still experiencing a sense that their life is not complete and there is still more to accomplish. However, by the time most people reach an old age and look back on their endeavors, they feel satisfied and are comfortable and almost a relief about leaving the mortal world because they have contributed to their world. It seems as if each semester we endure the same kinds of emotions. I felt invincible in September, like the work and stress load could not weigh me down and I would be able to conquer everything with flying colors. However, as the semester wore on, I lost that sense of complete control and esentially reached "adulthood", with my mortality becoming salient and the realities that this school semester is my life and it in part determines my career and the rest of my life. Thank god, though, the end is near and I am already feeling the sense of relief that accompanies my "old age". We have all put in our time and (hopefully!) feel accomplished. I am ready for the rejuvination of a new beginning: holiday break, whoop whoop! But I am also more aware that when the holidays are over, I will feel relieved again. So onward we must push, towards a new day and a new beginning, ever searching but ever enjoying the simplicities of life and acknowledging the origin, the muddle, the end.
In my human development class we have cycled through conception to childhood, adolescence to adulthood and are finishing up the semester with old age and death. Interestingly enough, people fear death the most in adulthood because they have overcome their feelings of being invincible while still experiencing a sense that their life is not complete and there is still more to accomplish. However, by the time most people reach an old age and look back on their endeavors, they feel satisfied and are comfortable and almost a relief about leaving the mortal world because they have contributed to their world. It seems as if each semester we endure the same kinds of emotions. I felt invincible in September, like the work and stress load could not weigh me down and I would be able to conquer everything with flying colors. However, as the semester wore on, I lost that sense of complete control and esentially reached "adulthood", with my mortality becoming salient and the realities that this school semester is my life and it in part determines my career and the rest of my life. Thank god, though, the end is near and I am already feeling the sense of relief that accompanies my "old age". We have all put in our time and (hopefully!) feel accomplished. I am ready for the rejuvination of a new beginning: holiday break, whoop whoop! But I am also more aware that when the holidays are over, I will feel relieved again. So onward we must push, towards a new day and a new beginning, ever searching but ever enjoying the simplicities of life and acknowledging the origin, the muddle, the end.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Psychoanalysis of Henderson
He sits in his father’s library counting inheritance money while the resounding “I want…, I want…, I want…” escapes from the protuberant mouth of Henderson. He is pompous and ever seeking to satiate his enormous appetite. Throughout the novel of Henderson the Rain King authored by Saul Bellow, there are profound mythological, religious, and ethical references that can be analyzed, criticized, and most significantly, simply acknowledged. However, the psychological complexities found entangled throughout Henderson’s journey umbrella many of the underlying themes. Specifically, Henderson can be directly described through a psychoanalytic psychology approach as per the timeless Sigmund Freud.
Named the “father of psychology”, Freud developed a series of theories that attempted to describe behaviors as a result of a working and thoughtful mind. One of the most significant of the theories is the development of the id, ego, and superego. This categorization of the mind constitutes the pre-conscious, unconscious, and conscious mind and aids in understanding the reasons behind behavior. The id is the “pleasure seeking” component of the mind. It is child-like, reacts to impulse, and is often unaware of the reacting consequences. The superego is the moralistic, logical, and idealistic aspect of the brain that focuses behaviors on what is humanly correct and acceptable. Finally, the ego acts as a mediator between the id and the superego in which the goal is to balance impulse and control to maintain a healthy and strong individual. Freud believed and imbalance of these components would result in a highly defiant or restrictively depressed person.
It is discovered within the first two chapters of Henderson the Rain King that Henderson relies solely on his id. He is constantly seeking pleasure and reacting on impulse and self indulgence. He looks to satiate his wants through money, his wife, and alcohol. With a flask as his side, Henderson often made snide remarks to his wife, Lily, consciously aware of the damage it caused her but never withholding his tongue. For example, Henderson is aware of the pain Lily encompasses when suicide is mentioned because of her father’s commitment to suicide. However, on more than one occasion, he comments “I’m going to blow my brains out! I’m shooting myself. I didn’t forget to pack the pistol. I’ve got it on me now.” This remark leaves Lily tearful and distraught though Henderson dismisses her and continues with his biography.
The relation of the id to Henderson continues throughout the novel as he travels to Africa. With the Wariri tribe, it appeared Henderson had the best of intentions when he attempted to rid the curse of the frogs that had been bestowed upon them. However, he impulsively built a bomb and without considering the entire dilemma of the contaminated water and the explosives possible repercussions, he destroyed the water berm and hastily left the tribe to suffer. Further, during the rain ceremony in the Arnewi tribe, Henderson felt the hot, impulsive sensations of “I want! I want!” again which resulted in his moving of the mountain woman and becoming the Sungo of the tribe despite the fact the king of the tribe warned him with the possible consequences it could bring.
Another key relationship that can be found between Henderson and Freud’s psychoanalytic approach to understanding human behavior is the notion of free association. Freud used free association as a therapeutic tool to help discover the unconscious mind and how it relates to observable behaviors. Freud used this psychodynamic tool to encourage his clients to speak uncensored and to verbalize any and every thought that reaches the mind. When used correctly, Freud believed it could lead to a discovery in self-purpose, understanding, and acceptance. The entire novel captures the tone of free association in which first person Henderson moves freely from thought to thought approached with a triggering situation. His thoughts are rapid, chaotic, and fragmented as he attempts to explain his past, his history, his family, and most importantly, his journey through Africa. It is only through these discombobulated thoughts that the reader can understand his personality and how a single man can influence the lives of many.
It was the goal of Freud to discover the unconscious and to develop and strong ego that can sustain the battle between the id and the superego. It was the goal of King Dahfu to speak with and teach Henderson about impulse control and conscious awareness of the body and mind. He served as an open communication outlet for Henderson to overcome his piggish qualities and establish a conscious and novel life viewpoint. Henderson the Rain King is a direct and linear account of a psychodynamic therapy session and the struggles of the unconscious and conscious mind and the ever present war between wanting and obtaining awareness for the greater community.
Named the “father of psychology”, Freud developed a series of theories that attempted to describe behaviors as a result of a working and thoughtful mind. One of the most significant of the theories is the development of the id, ego, and superego. This categorization of the mind constitutes the pre-conscious, unconscious, and conscious mind and aids in understanding the reasons behind behavior. The id is the “pleasure seeking” component of the mind. It is child-like, reacts to impulse, and is often unaware of the reacting consequences. The superego is the moralistic, logical, and idealistic aspect of the brain that focuses behaviors on what is humanly correct and acceptable. Finally, the ego acts as a mediator between the id and the superego in which the goal is to balance impulse and control to maintain a healthy and strong individual. Freud believed and imbalance of these components would result in a highly defiant or restrictively depressed person.
It is discovered within the first two chapters of Henderson the Rain King that Henderson relies solely on his id. He is constantly seeking pleasure and reacting on impulse and self indulgence. He looks to satiate his wants through money, his wife, and alcohol. With a flask as his side, Henderson often made snide remarks to his wife, Lily, consciously aware of the damage it caused her but never withholding his tongue. For example, Henderson is aware of the pain Lily encompasses when suicide is mentioned because of her father’s commitment to suicide. However, on more than one occasion, he comments “I’m going to blow my brains out! I’m shooting myself. I didn’t forget to pack the pistol. I’ve got it on me now.” This remark leaves Lily tearful and distraught though Henderson dismisses her and continues with his biography.
The relation of the id to Henderson continues throughout the novel as he travels to Africa. With the Wariri tribe, it appeared Henderson had the best of intentions when he attempted to rid the curse of the frogs that had been bestowed upon them. However, he impulsively built a bomb and without considering the entire dilemma of the contaminated water and the explosives possible repercussions, he destroyed the water berm and hastily left the tribe to suffer. Further, during the rain ceremony in the Arnewi tribe, Henderson felt the hot, impulsive sensations of “I want! I want!” again which resulted in his moving of the mountain woman and becoming the Sungo of the tribe despite the fact the king of the tribe warned him with the possible consequences it could bring.
Another key relationship that can be found between Henderson and Freud’s psychoanalytic approach to understanding human behavior is the notion of free association. Freud used free association as a therapeutic tool to help discover the unconscious mind and how it relates to observable behaviors. Freud used this psychodynamic tool to encourage his clients to speak uncensored and to verbalize any and every thought that reaches the mind. When used correctly, Freud believed it could lead to a discovery in self-purpose, understanding, and acceptance. The entire novel captures the tone of free association in which first person Henderson moves freely from thought to thought approached with a triggering situation. His thoughts are rapid, chaotic, and fragmented as he attempts to explain his past, his history, his family, and most importantly, his journey through Africa. It is only through these discombobulated thoughts that the reader can understand his personality and how a single man can influence the lives of many.
It was the goal of Freud to discover the unconscious and to develop and strong ego that can sustain the battle between the id and the superego. It was the goal of King Dahfu to speak with and teach Henderson about impulse control and conscious awareness of the body and mind. He served as an open communication outlet for Henderson to overcome his piggish qualities and establish a conscious and novel life viewpoint. Henderson the Rain King is a direct and linear account of a psychodynamic therapy session and the struggles of the unconscious and conscious mind and the ever present war between wanting and obtaining awareness for the greater community.
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