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The Bomb, the Shadow, and Self-Actualisation

A Jungian, SandPlay, and Rogers Perspective on Our Transforming World:


In a world fraught with existential threats, the symbol of the bomb holds immense psychological weight. It embodies our fear of destruction, our awareness of the fragility of human existence, and our anxiety about the future. From a Jungian perspective, the bomb is a manifestation of the collective Shadow—the dark, unacknowledged aspects of humanity that we project onto the world. In SandPlay, it may represent trauma and the explosive energy of repressed emotions that need to be expressed and integrated.


But what if this pervasive symbol of destruction also points to a deeper, more hopeful truth about human nature and our potential for transformation? What if the presence of the bomb in our collective consciousness indicates not just impending doom but a profound opportunity for growth? Here, the humanistic psychology of Carl Rogers provides a framework for understanding this potential: the idea that the world, like an individual, is on a journey toward self-actualisation.


Carl Rogers and the Drive Toward Self-Actualisation


Carl Rogers, a pioneer of humanistic psychology, believed that every individual has an innate drive toward self-actualisation—the fulfilment of one’s potential and the realisation of one’s authentic self. For Rogers, self-actualisation is a process of growth, healing, and becoming more congruent, meaning that one’s real self (who they truly are) aligns more closely with their ideal self (who they aspire to be).


Rogers emphasised the importance of a nurturing, accepting environment for this process to unfold (like therapy). When people experience unconditional positive regard—a non-judgmental acceptance that acknowledges both their strengths and imperfections—they feel safe enough to explore their true selves, confront painful truths, and grow into more integrated, whole individuals. Self-actualisation, then, is about moving away from defensiveness, denial, and fear toward openness, authenticity, and love.


The Bomb as a Symbol of Potential and Impasse


Linking this concept of self-actualisation to the symbolism of the bomb provides a fascinating lens through which to view the state of the world today. The bomb, both literally and metaphorically, represents a pivotal moment in humanity’s journey: a point of crisis that demands either destruction or transformation.


Trump, the Shadow, and the Crisis of Self-Actualisation


Donald Trump exemplifies many of the unconscious elements of the collective Shadow. His political rise has been marked by aggression, fear-mongering, and the exploitation of deep societal wounds. He projects dominance and power while refusing vulnerability or introspection, embodying the very denial and fragmentation that Jung warned against. His rhetoric feeds off division, much like the bomb symbolises our capacity for destruction.

Trump’s impact on America’s collective psyche cannot be understated. He has brought to the surface longstanding racial, economic, and institutional traumas, forcing a reckoning with the systemic issues many would rather ignore. Yet, as Rogers suggests, moments of crisis can serve as catalysts for self-actualisation. The rise of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic norms have mobilised resistance, activism, and new dialogues about justice, governance, and ethics. The question remains: Will this moment lead to self-destruction or transformation?


SandPlay, Healing Spaces and the Global Psyche

SandPlay therapy emphasises creating a safe, accepting space where clients can confront and integrate their deepest wounds and fears. Similarly, Rogers believed that unconditional positive regard creates the conditions for self-actualisation. When people feel accepted, they become capable of deep, transformative change.

Applying this to the global stage, we can imagine that humanity needs safe spaces—both literal and metaphorical—where we can collectively process our trauma, fear, and destructive impulses. Instead, much of our public discourse is reactive, dominated by fear, misinformation, and blame. Without spaces for genuine reflection and transformation, the collective psyche remains trapped in cycles of escalation.


From Fear to Integration

The process of self-actualisation, on both an individual and collective level, involves moving from a state of fear and defensiveness to one of openness and integration. This requires a willingness to confront difficult truths about ourselves and the systems we’ve built. It also demands a commitment to empathy, connection, and a deeper sense of purpose.


The World as a Self-Actualising Organism

Rogers held an optimistic view of human nature, believing that people are fundamentally oriented toward growth, even if they sometimes get stuck or lost along the way. If we extend this idea to humanity as a whole, we can imagine the world as a self-actualising organism. The crises we face — symbolised by the bomb — are not just signs of our failures but indicators of where growth is needed. They highlight our collective incongruence: the gap between our current state (driven by fear, conflict, and division) and our potential (characterised by unity, creativity, and compassion).


The Bomb as a Call to Consciousness

While the bomb may symbolise our darkest impulses, it also serves as a reminder of our power to choose. Jung would emphasise the need for conscious integration of the Shadow, while Rogers would highlight our innate drive toward actualisation and wholeness. SandPlay's work shows us that even the most destructive symbols can be transformed in a safe and nurturing space.


Destructive forces, like the bomb, force us to reckon with our collective fears, but they also present an opportunity for growth—a chance to ask what kind of society we wish to create. Will we continue down a path of fragmentation, or will we use this moment to propel ourselves toward greater awareness and unity?


As a global society, we stand at a crossroads. The bomb represents the tension between our potential for self-destruction and our capacity for self-actualisation. Just as individuals need nurturing environments to grow, our world needs spaces where healing and dialogue can occur. This means investing in mental health, promoting education that fosters critical thinking and empathy, and creating international policies that address existential threats collaboratively.


Self-actualisation is not a guarantee but a possibility, one that requires courage, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to growth. As we face the bomb, both literally and metaphorically, we are called to harness our potential, to integrate our shadows, and to create a world that reflects the best of who we are. In the words of Rogers, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” May we, as a global community, continue to move in that direction, turning crisis into opportunity, fear into love, and destruction into creation.


Dr. Joanna Naxton, PhD


I am a psychotherapist and researcher specialising in self-injury and emotion, with a specific interest symbolism, and therapeutic transformation. My work delves into the impact of existential issues, and the role of therapeutic spaces in fostering healing and growth.


For further reading check out my latest publication: The hidden emotions of therapists: An autoethnographic exploration of working with clients who self-injure



 
 
 

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