Night Sea Journey: The Ordeal of Individuation - Paperback

by James V. Downton Jr (Author)

Unbelievable as it might seem, there is a hidden potential to experience a dramatic transformation of consciousness within each of us. Some people refer to this profound and disturbing change as a journey, others as an ordeal. It is both and it goes by different names: "The Night Sea Journey," "Individuation," "Kundalini Awakening," the "Heroic Quest," and "Spiritual Emergency." Its names are many because the human mind cannot fully understand what causes sweeping changes of consciousness. This true account of my personal transformation is for those who are curious to learn about individuation as a Night Sea Journey and, most importantly, for those who are making their way in that difficult inner terrain; to help them find their way, to let them know that they are not alone, and to give them assurances about the outcome.

Author Biography

Jim Downton, Jr. is a teacher, author, and artist. Before retiring from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 2004, he had taught at the college level for thirty-nine years. At CU, he taught courses in sociology, personal development, and creativity. He also presented workshops for faculty and graduate students on creative teaching. His creative approach to teaching earned him the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, the Student/Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, and the Graduate Teacher Program's "The Best Should Teach Award." His teaching is in harmony with his four life purposes: To help people increase their happiness, creativity, and wisdom, and to do all those things for himself. In addition to his academic publications, Jim has published several personal growth books for adults, including: Screwing Up Love or How to Make Love Grow and Last (Createspace, 2013). Today, I Will . . .Words to Inspire Positive Life Changes (Blue Mountains Arts, 2009). Why am I so DAMN Unhappy? And What to Do About It (Robert Reed Publishers, 2008). Blooming: Teachings of a Woo Master (Green Dragon Books, 2005). The Woo Way: A New Way of Living and Being (Green Dragon Books, 2003). Playful Mind: Bringing Creativity to Life (Green Dragon Books, 2003). Awakening Minds: The Power of Creativity in Teaching (Green Dragon Books, 2003). Jim lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife, Mary. They've been happily married for fifty-six years and have two daughters, and a granddaughter. "Being a husband has taught me about real friendship and has given me the capacity to deeply love and be loved. Being a father has been one of my greatest pleasures, playing with my daughters when they were young and enjoying and being proud of them as adults. Now, I get to play with my granddaughter." Besides teaching, Jim is an avid squash and tennis player. He also enjoys painting and sculpting in his art studio. His life revolves around the issues of wholeness and creativity, which are ways of cultivating wisdom, inner peace, happiness, and an easier way to live.