The Survival Complex is an attempt to map out the connections between personal and familial psychological disorders and dysfunctions as well as their causes and possible solutions. Its name is derived from the idea that a lot of our current problems come from the pathological forms of natural survival instincts to consume, to control and to find comfort.
This project is an intuitive exploration done largely through a Jungian lens using concepts like complexes, archetypes, archetypal possession, personae and psychological symbolism. Aside from other Jungians like Hillman and Neumann, this project will refer to the works of writers like Nietzsche, Kristeva and Emerson; as well as novels, movies, music, myth, poems, plays and paintings.
The Survival Complex will explore topics like tyrannical and oedipal parenting, enmeshment, poorly defined selves and boundaries, problems between the masculine and feminine archetypes, addiction, isolation, delusion, denial, avoidance, anxiety, depression, anger, nostalgia, entertainment, consumerism and waste. While these topics can be experienced by anyone this project explores them in association with the idea of “first world problems” and how the medication and dismissal of these problems are part of the problem.
Possible solutions to these problems will also be explored. For example, the use of exposure therapy to overcome isolating phobias and anxieties; the use of active imagination to engage with archetypal content and shadow material; and mind mapping to untie the knots of dysfunctional behaviors. The Jungian concept of transmutation will also be applied to negative concepts like blame, cynicism and nihilism to turn them into something constructive like responsibility, healthy skepticism and creativity.
Beyond disorders and dysfunctions, the Survival Complex will explore the development of consciousness, archetypal confrontation and symbol transmutation.
The Survival Complex map is still under construction and will grow as I present it. A link to the current state of the interactive map will be included in each article.
I hope you will join me as I continue to explore these ideas and build this project.
Link to Map: Survival Complex Map on Miro