The picture shows part of the garden at the C G Jung Institute at the side of Lake Zurich, Switzerland, where I was attending the International Conference to commemorate the 75th Anniversary year of the opening of the Institute - a special and celebratory event.
 
I took the picture to capture part of the splendid gardens at the Institute, with a few people sharing thoughts.  Such a valuable part of the days we spent together making discoveries from a very full programme.
 
The tranquillity of this picture is in stark contrast to when nearly 300 of us, from all around the world, were often in the same space. The air then filled with discussion and conversation.
 
Insights Discovery is based on the work of C G Jung, so this was useful interaction for my own development. Hugely valued time to enjoy the contrasting comments from other people who have their ‘take’ on things. Yes, valued from a psychology stance - all the richer when cultural and language aspects are added into the mix.
 
Looking at the picture after the event made me think about just how few people were in the garden on this occasion when often there were usually so many. It shows a group standing by the stairs in conversation, another smaller group seated. A couple of people standing in conversation and another two seated also in conversation. Plus, one person sitting by themselves.
 
When people lead with ‘Introversion’ it does mean they like some quiet space yet does not mean that they don’t like engaging in conversations. Just as with people who lead with ‘Extroversion’ may also like some quiet space too, albeit they do like mixing with people...gaining from their energy.
 
The people in the garden were enjoying the lovely weather, taking a little time to ‘decompress’ between sessions.
 
All too often it is wrong to jump to a conclusion as to what behavioural traits a person may initially display; far wiser to take a little more time to appreciate what is really surfacing. Yet how often do we take the time, show respect, discover? All too often we jump to our conclusion not having taken a little more care to establish what is truly surfacing.
 
When one makes the effort to consider things for a little longer, to witness more of the behaviour that is surfacing, one can often make a far more appropriate assessment; then really honour the person by leaning into their way rather than forcing our way upon them.
 
One thing I was especially struck by during the days enjoyed together was the way almost everyone I spoke with was doing just this. Actively listening. Respecting others. Hardly surprising when one considers the work and vocation of people who attended the Conference. I believe it was because people were genuinely keen to learn from others.
 
Having decided to attend - which for many, was a sizeable commitment in time, cost, the lengthy travel from distant parts of the world - people were very present. Seldom seen looking at their phones other than to record a slide in a presentation or note some thoughts. An interesting contrast with the so often ‘always distracted’ people one meets elsewhere in life.
 
As with many things, some reflective time after the Conference has been valuable. When one is immersed in the learning, activity, conversations, exchanges, shifts in one’s own position as someone else’s comments have struck a chord, creating new learning, making time for my own reflection I have found to have added importance.
 
It reminds me of the quotation from C G Jung:
 
“Everyone you meet knows something you don’t know but need to know. Learn from them.”
 
I hope I have honoured that comment in some small way...and the value the C G Jung Institute has provided, in this, the 75th year.
 
My best wishes,
 
Peter