The meeting of one hundred ways

Abstract

In this dissertation the following topics are examined: (1) The possible scientific and archetypal causes and resulting effects of disembodiment and fragmentation of the Western mind/psyche; (2) the possible causes and effects of a multifaceted split between mother and infant predominant in the Western world; and (3) the interrelation of the above-mentioned subjects and their influences on our world as we know it. This work draws on the disciplines of: history, art, depth psychology, archetypal psychology, neurobiology, and nonlinear dynamics theory. The emphasis is on drawing attention to a paradox encompassing both the immeasurable fragmentation and the infinitesimal interrelation of every being and every thing and on challenging the prevalent approach of reductionism and static linearity, driven by mechanistic science, which often stands in contrast to the discoveries of new science, by illuminating the chaos within the dynamic structure of the universe. First, we examine the historical significance of a shift toward mechanistic science, which led to a widely held belief in the Cartesian mind/matter split. Next, through the lens of neuroscience, we learn about the essentials of attachment theory, regulation, and brain development, which are then applied to the topic of the mother-infant bond. Subsequently, we study the contribution of an archetypal pull toward the shift in the direction of mechanistic science and present an overview of the fundamental findings of nonlinear dynamics theory as they relate to both attachment and regulation of the mother-infant bond. Further details are provided by introducing notions of psychic phenomenon, intuition, and synchronicity. From that perspective we again delve into the subjects of attachment and regulation now presented on an infinitesimal scale of gene expression. This summarizes an endeavor to contribute to the depth psychological perspective by shedding some light on various ways of re-uniting and incorporating into it the practices of other healing professions as well as scientific discoveries. Additionally, it is an attempt to ignite a sense of wonder in those who have not yet examined the abovementioned subjects