Shadow of Society

Course Description

The shadow of a society and its norms reveals itself through the restrictions placed on individual freedom and expression. This shadow touches each of us, shaping our lives in ways we may not fully realize. In this course, you will explore how the societal shadow has influenced your own path. By engaging with it consciously, you will uncover ways to live a more authentic and meaningful life.

In this course, James Hollis reflects on the life of Edna Pontellier in The Awakening. She is a woman of the late 19th century who struggles to live within the confines of societal expectations for women of her time. Hollis suggests that societal constructs—such as gender (what is it to be a woman)—exist before we are even born. This construct shapes and defines us rather than being shaped by us. These constructs offer the ego a sense of predictability and control but carry a costly shadow. Non-adherence or non-conformity often leads to societal rejection and inner conflict. Yet, within each of us lies an autonomous psyche, pushing us toward genuineness and self-expression.

This course invites you to explore the journey of awakening from the comfortable slumber of conformity. Together, we will deepen our understanding of the tension between adherence to societal norms and the soul’s drive for authenticity. A companion guide will help you personalize these teachings, offering exercises to discover your truth. Through this exploration, you will cultivate greater self-awareness, compassion and authenticity.

This course is ideal if

• You Desire Greater Authenticity: Wanting to live more true to yourself and express your genuine values and beliefs.
• You Struggle with Conformity: Feeling pressured to fit societal norms and seeking ways to maintain your individuality.
• You Aspire for Greater Freedom: Desiring the ability to navigate societal roles without sacrificing your personal freedom and genuineness.
• You are a therapist, healer or helping professional seeking to expand your ability to support others in this work.

Course Overview

Class 1: Societal constructs: Light and Shadow  

In this class, Hollis explores both the benefits and limitations of societal constructs. He explains how they provide stability for the ego, but also restrict our true selves. Hollis defines “creative illness” as the breakdown of our societal self which allows us to move toward authenticity. He discusses the dangers of blind conformity and emphasizes the importance of discernment on the journey of individuation. 

Class 2: Symptoms as Messenger from the Soul 

Hollis explains that societal structures themselves are not the problem. The real issue occurs when these structures clash with our inner truth. Neurosis arises from the ego’s compliance with external expectations versus the Self’s longing for authenticity. Hollis compassionately views symptoms as messages from the soul, calling our attention to the ways it is being constrained.. He encourages us not to suppress or avoid these symptoms. Instead, he suggests that these symptoms in the forms of anxiety, depression or discontent may be guiding us toward a deeper truth.

Class 3: The Quest for Authenticity within Society

In this class, Hollis further explores the shadow of compliance and reveals the risks of idealizing total freedom. He then goes on to shed light on familiar messages designed to suppress noncompliance—like the ever-present question, “What would people think?” He also gives examples of cultural practices to reestablish societal narratives. Hollis likens the soul’s unexpressed urges to a “ticking time bomb,” emphasizing the futility of stifling its call. He highlights the symptoms that arise from this inner conflict.  Hollis reminds us that living authentically carries a cost—but what is the cost if we do not?

Class 4: Finding Personal Freedom within Societal Form

Hollis explores the universal challenge of discovering freedom within the confines of societal structures. He describes the dynamic interplay between the safety of adaptation and the soul’s deeper calling as a dance of awakening. Awakening is not always marked by sudden and dramatic moments, more often it unfolds in small ways through the rhythms of daily life. Genuine conflict, he reminds us, must be endured and examined over time. It is not to be rushed but rather engaged with patience and courage. This whole process is supported by our own soul. Through reflection and discernment, Hollis emphasizes, we can navigate the tension between societal forms and the soul’s yearning, opening pathways to greater freedom and authenticity.