“The Power of Uncertainty”

Sylvia Brinton Perera, M.A.

From Chaos to Creation: The Power of Uncertainty

We often associate uncertainty with weakness, vulnerability and lack of control. During the course of the day, Sylvia Perera will help us examine the fear and value of uncertainty, which shakes the familiar contexts in which we live, restimulates old defenses, and often propels us into chaotic states. Yet, it is from this state of chaotic uncertainty that we may create or discover new meanings and a new relationship to the Self and its processes. Exploring the subject in poetry and myth, she will also present examples from clinical material, both verbal and visual.

Andrew Harvey

Learning to Surrender: Pathway to Change

For most people, nothing is more difficult than learning to trust the ways and means of a Mystery one can never completely understand or control. Yet, until trust is established and the passion of surrender to the divine becomes habitual, many of us tend to veer between self absorbed action and befuddled abandon. Andrew Harvey, drawing on the major mystical traditions, with a special reference to Hinduism and Rumi, will provide us with a vision of the stages of evolution to “surrender” and a set of practices that enable it to become a steady inner direction in our lives.

Jan Bauer, M.A.

The Power of Uncertainty to Generate Hate, and Love

Most of us would prefer to avoid uncertainty. That’s why we collect agendas, watches and, of course, insurance. But this basic human fear of uncertainty, the unknown, does not just lead to defensive purchases of various security systems. It also leads us to search for the comfort of love, community and status; and, if those fail, then to seek the ‘comfort’ of sheer and certain hate. The lecture will consider both love and hate as bulwarks against uncertainty. It will also ask what ‘third’ element might emerge if uncertainty is seen as an opportunity and not as a threat.

Guy Corneau, M.Ed.

The Meaning of Adversity

Though severe illness and adversity is a time when uncertainty reigns, it can also provide an opportunity to find one’s own light. It is a period when the mysterious power of uncertainty can free us from daily routine, bring us nearer to our own essence, and open the door to a fuller life. Guy Corneau will talk about his own experience after being stricken with cancer, and how, confronted with the possibility of death, he was able to experience “hours and days of pure joy.” Using dreams and specific exercises, he will help us find meaning in the experience of adversity and illness.

Michael Gellert, M.A., M.S.W.

The Wisdom of Uncertainty: Jung and Buddhism

“No one goes so far as the person who does not know where he is going” —C.G. Jung

Michael Gellert will explore the psychological and spiritual value of embracing uncertainty—a value demonstrated in such Zen practices as cultivating the “Great Doubt” and “don’t-know-mind,” and in Jung’s own relationship with Buddhism. This relationship evolved from a position of skepticism to a deep appreciation of Buddhist teaching, and mirrored Jung’s own process of individuation. Additionally, he will examine the role of doubt both in Buddhism and Jung’s experience as a way to foster our own ability to entertain uncertainty with a playful, open—yet spiritual attitude.

Week Two Workshops

Jan Bauer
Shadow: That Invisible Other Who Derails Our Best Laid Plans

Guy Corneau
Times of Trial and Uncertainty

Michael Gellert
Entertaining Uncertainty: Dreams Koans and Active Imagination

Andrew Harvey
Easing to Trust

Aryeh Maidenbaum
“But On the Other Hand…” A Jewish Perspective on Uncertainty

Sylvia Brinton Perera
Experiencing the Power of Uncertainty: Discussion and Exercises

Diana Rubin
Living in the Realm of Uncertainty: Play as Catalyst for Change