The Role of Movement in Yoga as Active Imagination

Introduction

The integration of Jungian psychology and Eastern esoteric practices provides a rich tapestry for exploring inner transformation. This post delves into the interesting connections between active imagination, particularly through movement and yoga, and the process of individuation. By examining these connections, we uncover the potential for yoga to serve as a transformative practice in our quest for self-realization and emotional stability.

The Body as a Guide to Inner Transformation

The practice of yoga and its approach to the body serve as guides to inner transformation and individuation (Chodorow, Body, Psyche, and Emotions, p.97). As a yoga teacher myself, I am continually fascinated by the convergence of ideas between Jungian psychology and yoga. Jung himself was cautious about the West’s adoption of yoga, emphasizing the cultural orientation towards external determinants. In contrast, Eastern yoga focuses on inner causes. Despite this, yoga in the West has evolved into a collective practice, which navigates the thin line between independent individualism and individuation towards independence. Traditional yoga adhered to no rigid rules; instead, it encouraged practitioners to follow their inner law and stay attuned to the archetypal world.

Finding Your Own Way

Jung advocated for the West to develop its own form of yoga, introducing seminal ideas on psychology, alchemy, and active imagination. Unfortunately, modern interpretations of yoga, such as “goat” or “wine” yoga, often stray far from these original intentions. True yoga, when practiced authentically, can still serve as a launchpad for inner alchemical transformation, guiding individuals to find their unique path. This personal journey is about moving in a way that aligns with one’s body, fostering a deeper connection with oneself.

The Equation: Movement as Active Imagination

Unlocking Emotions and Memories

Movement in yoga, akin to active imagination, serves to unlock emotions and memories trapped within the body. Asana, or posture, is one of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, leading to stability through movement. Joan Chodorow highlights that movement can access the “core of the complex,” releasing emotions and memories stored in the body (Chodorow, The Nature of My Work, p.115). This process helps achieve inner stability by taming the body’s inner urges. 

Ritual and Rhythm in Yoga

Yoga, through its postures (Kriya) and meditation (Dhyana), acts as an active imagination by incorporating rhythm and ritual. For individuals with a motor imagination, movement activates primal emotions, allowing for spontaneous expressions that have become ritualized. The practice aims to transform emotions through the body, liberating the spirit from the solidity of stuck emotions.

Symbolic Inherency and Mythic Aspects

The Chakra System

The chakras, or “magic circles,” serve as centers of psychic stability, depicted as swirling etheric pools or lotuses. Emotions and libido flow through these chakras, which may be blocked or open depending on one’s individuation. Each chakra corresponds to an element, such as earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The practice of yoga is a ritualistic journey through these elements, aiming to contain and transform explosive affects. 

Active Imagination and Mythology

The teachings of yoga often originate from active imagination, with yogis perceiving these insights through direct cognition. This parallels Jung’s experiences with Philemon, suggesting that archetypal figures like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma may prefigure Jung’s theories. The practice of yoga can evoke pre-verbal experiences, connecting practitioners to their creation myths and deeper psychological layers.

The Duality of Mover and Witness

The Role of the Teacher

In yoga, the relationship between teacher and student mirrors the ego-Self axis, with the teacher serving as an external representation of the inner guru. This dynamic helps students establish a connection with their inner Self, fostering future spontaneity within a ritualistic framework.

The Communal Aspect

Yoga classes can create utopian communitas, shifting the focus from individual ego to collective individuation. This communal aspect can support a collective journey towards self-realization, balancing Jungian spontaneity with yogic ritualism.

Comparison Table

Jungian Ideas	Eastern Esoteric Concepts
Active Imagination	Yoga (Kriya, Dhyana)
Individuation	Self-Realization
Archetypal World	Inner Law
Ego-Self Axis	Guru-Student Relationship
Complexes	Chakras
Ritual and Rhythm	Prakriti and Purusha

Movement in Yoga as Active Imagination and Individuation

Some people practice yoga to work on their inferior function, while others with higher sensation engage for physical benefits. Jung, yoga, and active imagination all emphasize the importance of moving the ego off its high horse and relativizing it to the Self. The Guru-Student relationship initially serves this purpose, with the Guru representing an image of the Self. Ultimately, yoga can produce utopian communitas, shifting the ego from ‘me’ to ‘we,’ and eventually to ‘thee.’ Despite Jung’s reservations about groups, many dance active imagination practitioners suggest it, facilitating collective individuation.

Conclusion

Incorporating active imagination through yoga offers a path for inner transformation, balancing the spontaneous and the ritualistic. This practice not only fosters personal growth but also supports a collective journey towards self-realization. By bridging Eastern and Western practices, we can develop a universal approach to psychological and spiritual well-being.

Resources

• Chodorow, J. (2013). Dance Therapy and Depth Psychology: the Moving Imagination. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.
• Eliade, M. (2009). Yoga: immortality and freedom. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
• Jung, C. G., & Chodorow, J. (1997). Jung on active imagination. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
• Jung, C. G., & Shamdasani, S. (2015). The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga: Notes of the Seminar Given in 1932. Florence: Taylor and Francis.
• Khalsa, H. K. K. (2011). Art & yoga: Kundalini awakening in everyday life. Santa Cruz, NM: Kundalini Research Institute.
• Nardi, D. (2017). Jung on yoga: insights and activities to awaken with the chakras. Los Angeles, CA: Radiance House.
• Stein, M. (1995). Jungian analysis. Chicago: Open Court.

Further Study

• Chodorow, J. Body, Psyche, and the Emotions.
• Chodorow, J. The Nature of My Work.
• Chodorow, J. Active Imagination.
• Dance/Movement Therapy Encyclopedia Article.
• Selected Bibliography of Readings in Dance/Movement as Active Imagination by Lisa Fladager.

By studying these concepts, we can deepen our understanding of the profound connections between Jungian psychology and Eastern esoteric practices, paving the way for holistic personal and collective transformation.