The Inner Studio - Riverside Architectural Press

THE INNER STUDIO
better, it is important to point out that difficulties, trials, and hardship
play an important role in maturing the ego. The drive to
become more conscious may be inevitable and long-standing, but
it can also be extremely confusing and often disagreeable. The
tension that can build between the ego (rushing in to find an
answer) and the unconscious (vague signals of not being ready)
often results in considerable anguish and confusion. Our ability to
hold the tension of these opposites becomes the energetic source
that empowers a creative breakthrough. The creative impulse often
impels us to break a rule or expectation. Listening to the messages
from your body, dream, and shadow that illuminate your path or
give you direction can often support you in having the courage to
stay true to your creative instinct. What makes it possible for us to
redeem and make sense of this process is psychology. Psychology
has become popular because it helps individuals take responsibility
for their fates. If the last century established the reality of the
unconscious, I hope that the next 100 years will grow our ability to
relate to its contents.
As designers, and as individuals, we want to have a healthy
working relationship with the part of our psyche that is below the
line, the place where our creative resources live. We want to
develop a curiosity, respect, and ability to work with the signals
that comes from below. No matter how aware we become, the
knowledge that there is an everlasting supply of creativity and
insight from the unconscious–that indeed these two worlds are
forever dependent on one another–is one of the most precious gifts
of being human. In the course of designing we often find ourselves
unwilling to change something that has caused us to remain stuck.
It is useful to remember that the psyche is dynamic and constantly
changing. Growth means change. If there was no change we would
not be able to grow up and realize our hopes and dreams.
Although the concept of the unconscious may now be widely
accepted, we have made much less progress in incorporating and
relating to what comes out of our unconscious. So far we have
given far greater attention to striving for perfection than getting to
know the paradoxical and imperfect nature of our own psyches.
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