Mountains Calling? Be Your True Self!

We all know that feeling—the sudden, overwhelming urge to drop everything and disappear into the mountains or live off the grid. It’s more than just a fleeting fantasy; it’s a call from deep within, a universal quest for simplicity and peace. Across cultures and generations, this longing has always been part of our human experience.

Carl Jung, a pioneering figure in psychology, explored this phenomenon with his concept of the True Self—the part of us that craves authenticity and deeper meaning. This urge to escape mirrors the ritual of pilgrimage in various religions, reflecting an intrinsic call for rebirth and self-discovery. Whether it’s the solitary ascetic seeking enlightenment in the Himalayas or the modern professional daydreaming about a simpler life, this longing points us toward a profound journey within.

When you feel the pull to escape, it’s not just about leaving behind the daily grind. It’s about shedding the layers of personas we wear—the masks we put on for work, social media, family, and friends. These personas help us navigate the world but can also suffocate our true selves. The urge to escape is a signal that it’s time to reconnect with who we really are beneath those layers.

Imagine the relief of stepping away from the expectations and judgments of others, even for a little while. Picture yourself breathing in the crisp mountain air, feeling the weight of the world lift off your shoulders. This isn’t just a daydream—it’s a vital step toward discovering your True Self.

This universal urge to escape and the journey of self-discovery has deep roots in various religious traditions. For instance, the pilgrimage of Hajj in Islam symbolizes a profound spiritual journey and renewal. Pilgrims undergo significant rituals such as shaving their heads and wearing simple white garments, symbolizing a rebirth and a return to a state of purity. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will return as he was on the day his mother bore him” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Similarly, in Hinduism, the concept of samsara, or the cycle of rebirth, emphasizes the soul’s journey through various lives, aiming for moksha or liberation. The Bhagavad Gita illustrates this with the verse, “Just as a person discards worn-out clothes and puts on new clothes, the soul discards worn-out bodies and wears new ones” (Bhagavad Gita 2:22). This symbolizes a continuous journey toward spiritual purity and self-realization.

Even in modern spiritual practices, the idea of rebirth and transformation is prevalent. The Bible speaks of spiritual renewal in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This highlights the importance of shedding external personas to align with one’s true, divine nature.

Let’s dive into why this urge is so universal and how it connects to Jung’s idea of the True Self, the ritual of pilgrimage, and the phenomenon of rebirth. We’ll explore the burdens of maintaining multiple personas, the psychological impact of social media, and practical steps you can take on your journey toward self-discovery and authenticity.

The Urge to Escape

This urge to escape is deeply ingrained in the human psyche, transcending time and culture. It’s a call to return to simplicity and reconnect with nature. This longing often surfaces during times of stress or when life feels overwhelmingly complex. It’s as if something within us knows that peace and clarity lie beyond the noise of modern life.

In my own experience, this urge hit me hardest during a particularly stressful period at work. I remember sitting at my desk, surrounded by reports and project deadlines, feeling like I couldn’t breathe. The thought of packing a bag and heading to the mountains felt like a lifeline. It wasn’t just about escaping my responsibilities; it was about finding a space where I could hear myself think, where I could reconnect with who I truly was without the weight of expectations.

Carl Jung spoke to this universal experience. He believed that the journey inward, towards our True Self, is a vital part of psychological health. In Modern Man in Search of a Soul, he wrote, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” This journey often begins with recognizing that our current environment is stifling our true nature.

Fyodor Dostoevsky, too, captured this sentiment in Notes from Underground. The protagonist’s yearning to withdraw from society reflects a deeper quest for authenticity. Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra explores similar themes, as Zarathustra leaves his home to seek deeper truths in solitude. These literary giants understood that the urge to escape is a call to strip away the superficial and confront our innermost selves.

This longing is also reflected in the works of Sufi poets like Kabir Das. Kabir Das emphasizes the importance of internal transformation over external rituals. He says:

مو کو کہاں ڈھونڈھے بندے میں تو تیرے پاس میں نہ تیرتھ میں نہ مورتی میں نہ ایکانت نواس میں

“Where do you search for me, O seeker?
I am within you.
Neither in pilgrimage nor in idols,
Neither in solitude.”

His words resonate with the idea that true peace comes from within, not from our surroundings.

This universal urge to escape is a reminder that beneath our everyday roles and responsibilities lies a deeper need for authenticity and connection with our True Self. By acknowledging and embracing this need, we take the first step on our journey toward self-discovery.

Let’s see how Jung’s idea of the True Self and the ritual of pilgrimage in various religions represent this call for rebirth and self-discovery.

The Call by the True Self and Rebirth

Carl Jung’s concept of the True Self is central to understanding the urge to escape. According to Jung, the True Self is the innermost core of our being, the authentic self that lies beneath the layers of social conditioning and personal facades. It’s the part of us that remains untouched by external influences and societal expectations.

Jung believed that the journey toward self-discovery and individuation begins with a call from the True Self. This call often manifests as a sense of dissatisfaction with one’s current life, a feeling that something essential is missing. It’s a call to peel away the masks we wear and confront our deepest truths. Jung said, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

This concept is mirrored in the ritual of pilgrimage across various religions. In Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is a profound spiritual journey that symbolizes rebirth and renewal. Pilgrims don simple white garments (Ihram), shaving their heads to signify shedding their past selves and starting anew. The Quran mentions the transformative nature of Hajj:

“And proclaim to the people the Hajj…that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah… Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform Tawaf around the ancient House” (Quran 22:27-29).

Similarly, in Hinduism, the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage represents a quest for purification and spiritual renewal. Devotees bathe in sacred rivers, believing that this act cleanses them of their sins and symbolizes a fresh start.

Christianity also has its rites of renewal and rebirth. Baptism, for instance, represents the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. In John 3:3, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

The concept of rebirth is universal, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. It’s about shedding old identities and embracing a more authentic, spiritually aligned self. This parallels Jung’s idea of individuation, where the individual moves toward a more integrated and whole self.

In the context of modern life, these rituals and the call by the True Self can be seen as responses to the pressures of societal expectations and the multiplicity of personas we maintain. They represent a yearning to return to a more authentic and unburdened state of being.

When we heed this call, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. This journey is not without its challenges, but it ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and authentic life. As Jung aptly put it, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

Next, we’ll explore Jungian archetypes and how they influence our behavior and psyche, focusing on the Hero archetype as a representation of this journey toward self-discovery.

Jungian Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey

Carl Jung’s concept of archetypes is a cornerstone of his analytical psychology. Archetypes are universal, primordial symbols and images that derive from the collective unconscious, which Jung believed is shared among all humans. These archetypes manifest in myths, stories, and dreams, influencing our behavior and shaping our experiences.

One of the most well-known archetypes is the Hero. The Hero’s Journey, as popularized by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, is a narrative pattern that appears in myths and stories across different cultures. This journey typically involves a call to adventure, facing trials and tribulations, achieving a significant victory, and returning home transformed.

The Hero archetype represents the quest for self-discovery and individuation. It embodies the courage to confront one’s inner demons, overcome obstacles, and emerge as a more integrated and authentic self. This journey mirrors the psychological process of moving toward the True Self.

An excellent example of the Hero archetype is found in The Red Book by Carl Jung. In this personal and deeply symbolic work, Jung recounts his own journey of self-discovery and individuation. He describes encounters with various archetypal figures and experiences that symbolize his inner transformation. The Red Book illustrates how the Hero’s Journey is not just an external adventure but an internal exploration of the psyche.

The Hero’s Journey is also evident in literary works like The Odyssey by Homer. Odysseus’ long and arduous journey home after the Trojan War is filled with trials, temptations, and moments of self-realization. His journey is symbolic of the human quest for meaning and the challenges one must overcome to return to their authentic self.

Similarly, Dante’s Divine Comedy is a profound exploration of the Hero’s Journey. Dante’s descent into Hell, ascent through Purgatory, and eventual arrival in Paradise represent the soul’s journey toward enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment. Along the way, he confronts his own sins and undergoes a transformation that leads to a deeper understanding of himself and the divine.

In modern narratives, the Hero’s Journey continues to captivate audiences. Characters like Frodo in The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s series embody the Hero archetype. Their journeys are marked by self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and ultimately finding their true purpose.

Understanding the Hero archetype and the Hero’s Journey can provide valuable insights into our own lives. When we feel the urge to escape and embark on a journey of self-discovery, we are, in essence, answering the call of the Hero within us. This journey involves facing our fears, shedding our personas, and embracing our True Self.

So, next time you feel the mountains calling, remember that this urge is a call to adventure—a call to embark on your Hero’s Journey. Embrace it, for it leads to the discovery of your most authentic and fulfilling self. And who knows? Along the way, you might even find some Sufi poetry, some Jungian wisdom, and perhaps a touch of humor to lighten the path.

Happy journeying, and may your path to bliss be filled with discovery and joy!