Returning to Real Life After Transformation
In this final episode of the series on the Hero’s Journey and Jung’s individuation process, Debra Maldonado and Dr. Rob explore “The Return” phase of the journey.
If you want to become a life coach and wonder how you can help others, listen to our recent Soul Sessions podcast episode to explore how our unique Jungian coaching model is the future of coaching.
Have you ever had a transformational experience but found it difficult to integrate back into the ordinary world?
In the Hero’s Journey, Campbell called this stage “The Return,” when the Hero has completed their mission and must reintegrate back into their old life.
You may have felt:
- Disconnected or uninterested in old friendships or relationships
- Lost or confused as to who you really are in the world
- Unsure of your next step or new vocation that is calling you
In Jungian Coaching, the journey our clients embark on forever changes them and there are small adjustments that must be made as they reintroduce themselves into the world as a new self.
In Individuation, we don’t reject old parts or get rid of them, we integrate them. This means that we accept the past (and ourselves) just as they are so we can finally face forward in a new way.
If you are intrigued by this topic, explore our Soul Sessions: A Jungian Podcast series on the Hero’s Journey, our recent episode Returning to Real Life After Transformation talks about:
The Refusal of the Return
Just as heroes often refuse the call at the start, there’s initial resistance to returning to ordinary life after transformation. The hosts explore how ego can get inflated by newfound insights and how humility and integration are essential.
Carrying Wisdom Back
The return often involves challenges (“magical flight”) and the need for community and relationships to ground new insights. Debra and Rob emphasize the importance of support from mentors, friends, and guides during this phase.
Integration and Service
True individuation isn’t isolation—it’s about expressing inner transformation outward, reconciling your evolved self with your daily life, relationships, and work.
Balancing Worlds
They discuss mastering both the spiritual/inner and the practical/outer worlds, allowing for a new sense of vocation, purpose, and “symbolic living.”
Freedom to Live
The final gift of the journey is a deep sense of presence and fulfillment, less driven by ego and more by authentic self-expression, courage, and compassion. The journey never quite ends; life is an ongoing process of integration and renewal.
If you’ve ever wondered “What’s next?” after personal growth or spiritual breakthroughs, this episode offers a powerful, grounded perspective on bringing “the gold” of inner work back to the real world—making life itself a truly spiritual experience.
Creatively Yours,
D&R
Watch our video version of this episode on YouTube
Interested in becoming a Certified Jungian Life Coach? Experience the transformation described in this episode and click here to download a free program brochure.
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