James Hollis, a renowned Jungian psychologist and author, has spent much of his career exploring the deep, often challenging, journey of self-discovery. His work is centered around understanding the human psyche and uncovering the layers of meaning that shape our lives. One of Hollis’s core themes is the quest for life purpose, which he argues is not a destination but a continual unfolding process. We will look into his ideas and offer insights into how we can use his work to find, or perhaps reimagine, our life’s purpose.
James Hollis on Life Purpose: An Ever-Evolving Journey
James Hollis believes that life purpose is a dynamic process, not a fixed or one-size-fits-all answer. He explains that as we age and evolve, our sense of purpose may shift and take on new meanings. This perspective can be a relief to many who feel burdened by the idea of “finding their purpose” in one pivotal moment or career decision.
Hollis asserts that our life purpose is not something that can be neatly discovered or pinned down, nor is it something we simply choose based on external markers of success. Instead, purpose emerges through the interplay of our deepest values, struggles, desires, and experiences. This ongoing process of self-reflection and growth is critical to uncovering a more authentic and fulfilling life.
The Call of the Self
In his work, Hollis frequently references the call of the Self, a central Jungian concept. He explains that our true purpose is connected to this deeper, more authentic part of ourselves, which is often obscured by social expectations, external success markers, and personal fears.
Hollis suggests that one of the first steps toward uncovering our life purpose is listening to this call—a quiet, often subtle voice that urges us toward something more meaningful, even when it diverges from conventional paths. This call can be uncomfortable because it often requires us to move away from the safe and familiar in order to align more closely with our true selves.
He emphasizes that this process of listening to the Self requires introspection, stillness, and a willingness to confront aspects of ourselves that we may have neglected or ignored. For many, this involves working through personal fears, including the fear of failure or the fear of pursuing a non-traditional path.
The Role of Struggle and Suffering
Hollis is clear that finding one’s purpose is rarely a smooth or easy process. He posits that struggle and suffering are essential parts of the journey—they are not obstacles to purpose but rather catalysts for growth and transformation. In fact, our greatest suffering often carries the seeds of transformation that allow us to discover who we are truly meant to be.
Many individuals attempt to avoid pain or discomfort, yet Hollis believes that facing our struggles head-on can lead to profound insight. By exploring the parts of ourselves that are wounded or resistant to change, we can learn to make meaning from those experiences and ultimately find deeper purpose and fulfillment.
Living Your Purpose: Integration and Authenticity
Hollis believes that living a life aligned with our true purpose requires integration—the harmonizing of our outer life (our roles, responsibilities, relationships) with our inner life (our values, beliefs, passions). This process is ongoing and requires regular self-reflection, evaluation, and sometimes significant life changes.
An important aspect of living with purpose, according to Hollis, is the idea of authenticity—being true to oneself, even when this truth does not align with societal expectations. In his book “Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life,” Hollis writes that later life offers a particular opportunity to reclaim or redefine our purpose. At this stage, we can often step away from the need to please others or conform to external roles, which enables us to reconnect with a deeper sense of who we are and what we are here to offer.
Practical Ways to Use Hollis’s Insights for Finding Life Purpose
While Hollis’s work often deals with deep psychological exploration, there are practical steps anyone can take to start discovering their purpose:
1. Self-Reflection and Journaling: A powerful way to begin listening to the call of your true self is through regular journaling. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Allow your subconscious to reveal its deeper desires. Ask yourself reflective questions such as, “What am I avoiding?” or “What has been calling me, but I have ignored?”
2. Embrace Your Struggles: Instead of avoiding difficulty, embrace it. Reflect on the moments in your life that have been the most challenging—these are often where we find the key insights for growth. How can these struggles lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose?
3. Let Go of Social Expectations: Take an honest inventory of the roles or expectations that you feel are imposed on you. Do these align with your true self? What might happen if you let go of the need to meet these expectations and instead focused on living authentically?
4. Seek Guidance and Support: Consider engaging with a therapist, coach, or mentor to help you navigate the difficult journey of self-discovery. Sometimes, an external perspective can shed light on blind spots and help you move past obstacles.
5. Live in Alignment with Your Values: As you begin to uncover your deeper purpose, think about how you can align your daily actions with your core values. This alignment is key to creating a meaningful, purposeful life.
The Lifelong Journey of Purpose
James Hollis’s work challenges the conventional narrative that purpose is something to be found once and for all. Instead, he teaches us that purpose is an ongoing journey—one that requires listening to the call of the Self, embracing struggle, and living authentically. It is only through self-exploration, self-acceptance, and courage that we can begin to live a life that feels truly purposeful. So, rather than searching for a single answer, embrace the process of self-discovery and trust that your life’s purpose will reveal itself along the way.
References:
• Hollis, J. (1993). The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife. Inner City Books.
• Hollis, J. (2005). Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up. Avery
• Hollis, J. (2009). What Matters Most: Living a More Considered Life. Avery
