rivercrow

In Jungian theory, we pass through two adulthoods. The first adulthood consists of our moving within the constraints of our understanding of adultness. Our understanding is based on what we see in those we view as adults–we accept or reject the models presented, but we work within the influence of those models regardless.

Not all people make the transition. Those who do transition must travel the Middle Passage between adulthoods.

Hollis (will cite later) says that the transition to second adulthood involves a comparison of the Self to the Masks the individual wears. The more discord between the Self and the Masks, the further the Self is from the Masks, the rockier the transition. The individual begins to question the Self.

One of the books I’ve been reading suggests those in the Middle Passage question Type. Here is where I think Type Theory fits.

I suspect minority Types (INXX) who may have had to contort themselves into an unnatural Type to function within the perceived model of Adultness may suffer as they become aware of the differences betweeen their Selves and their Masks. The Middle Passage demands an accounting of these differences. “This is Me, this is Not Me.”

Recognizing the separate aspects of Self and Masks eases the transition. The individual begins to see the Masks as external to the Self, items to be worn at will and by choice.

I think the Masks can reflect aspects of dark and light shadows, strengths and horrors within ourselves that we externalize. (but that will wait for a future post)

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