One of Jung's most important contributions to the world of psychology was his idea of the Collective. Although he had much to say about the Collective he had little to say about its physical properties. Discoveries in modern neuroscience yield clues to how the unconscious connections we share manifest themselves. New insights from neurobiology are weaving together an understanding that is demanding that we reconsider what it means to be human.

Alexander Escobar, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Emory University in Atlanta. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics and a Doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the University of California. He has published several scientific papers based on his research. His religious studies began as a young child while attending Catholic schools in his native San Francisco and have expanded throughout his adult life to include all the major religions of the world. It is Dr. Escobar's belief that religions and science offer descriptions of the same universe and that to truly understand the cosmos we must consider both.

Dr. Escobar's web page at Emory University

Relationships are at the heart of being human; yet creating healthy ones can be a challenge. How do you create and sustain healthy connections? Do you how to allow spirit to be your guide? We will explore these questions while focusing on the three levels of intimacy: intimacy with spirit; intimacy with the self and intimacy with loved ones.

Human beings all around the world affect one another by virtue of being in relationship with one another. Our relationships are also influenced by nature, the earth, our past and wounds as well as by our Ancestors. When harm is done to human relationships, we witness frightening wounds from the tearing of personal bonds to general societal disruption, waiting to be dressed. Our soul, yearning to love, to trust, and be connected to others, raises the following questions:

• What form of relatedness can we use to dress these Wounds

• Why is it that we often understand so little regarding wounds of our past and present relationships, and how to dress them? 

• Why is it that we allow our capacity to trust and value ourselves, as well as others, to be impaired as a result of our long-suffering wounds? 

• Why is it we allow suspicion and doubt to bring us to a place of living our lives walled-off from the love that surrounds us.

The purpose of this workshop is to better understand and dissolve some of these barriers from an indigenous perspective. Through rituals, drumming, dancing, singing, discussion and stories, we will address these critical questions pertaining to our relationships. This is an invitation to explore the heights and depths of our relationships.

Sobonfu Somé is a respected lecturer, activist and author. She is the founder of Wisdom Spring, Inc. an organization dedicated to the preservation, the sharing of indigenous wisdom as well as holding fundraisers for wells, schools and health project in Africa. She is one of the foremost voices of African spirituality to come to the West, bringing insights and healing gifts from her west-African culture to this one. Sobonfu often tours the United States and Europe teaching workshops. Her books includes: The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient Teachings In The Ways Of Relationships, Welcoming Spirit Home: Ancient Teachings To Celebrate Children And Community and Falling Out Of Grace: Meditations On Loss, Healing And Wisdom.

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Sobonfu Somé's web page

Downloadable brochure

Charles Raison, M.D., received an M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine. After completing a residency in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, Dr. Raison remained at UCLA as a junior faculty member, serving as director of Emergency Psychiatric Services and as Associate Director of Consultation Evaluation Services. Dr. Raison was recruited to the Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in 1999, where he currently holds the position of Assistant Professor, as well as Director of the Behavioral Immunology Clinic. Dr. Raison lectures widely around the United States on a variety of topics related to mood disorders and inflammation, as well as the clinical treatment of interferon-alpha induced neuropsychiatric side effects. Dr. Raison has also been a leading contributor Emory’s emerging focus on issues at the interface of science and religion. He has co-taught an undergraduate class entitled "Psychobiological Foundations of Personhood: Tibetan Buddhist and Western Perspectives" and a graduate seminar entitled "Phenomenology of Depression: Body, Mind and Culture."

Dr. Raison's web page at Emory University

This talk will explore the deeper meaning behind Jung's theory and will urge participants to reconsider their preconceived notions about Jungian Psychological Type. Typology not only offers remarkably helpful insights into understanding Self and relating to other people, but also contains many spiritual implications that can assist us on the path of becoming our true selves.

Nonnie Cullipher was the final Executive Director of Journey into Wholeness and serves on the Atlanta Jung Society’s Advisory Board. She holds a B.A. in Classics and Philosophy from St. John’s College and a M.A. in Education from The University of New Mexico. She is a certified Typology Consultant and had a private counseling practice working with individuals and couples during her tenure at Journey into Wholeness. Nonnie facilitated the typology portion of the Introduction to Jung seminars offered by John and Carolyn Martin. She currently teaches Middle School English in Brevard, NC where she is exploring her more flamboyant side through singing jazz, hula hooping and performing in burlesque shows.