Presented by Professor David Tacey & Dr Suzanne Cremen
Vocation arises by attuning to the liminal space between matter and spirit, and is lived on the edge between self and world. The discovery of a life calling may be experienced as a transpersonal event, emerging as the result of an illuminating non-ordinary or mystical experience. This may happen spontaneously, or it may be something to which we extend an invitation.
This innovative and timely seminar will explore ideas from ecopsychology, spiritual and indigenous traditions, and look at what these may teach us about the nature of vocation and calling, at both individual and collective levels.
Using a stimulating combination of talks, stories, journaling, reflection and discussion, we’ll explore:
- The deeper meaning and historical / spiritual context of vocation
- How our vocation relates (and doesn’t relate) to our jobs and careers
- The difficulty of ensouling our work, our lives, or understanding our calling today in a society that has no ‘dreaming’ or ‘cosmology’ of its own
- How our life’s calling may emerge from an experience of initiation, understood as an archetypal process
- What indigenous and mythic traditions – including the Aboriginal contemplative practice of ‘dadirri’ or deep listening – may teach us about attuning our lives to deeper impulses and callings
- Insights from the new field of ecopsychology (which explores the relationship between ecological and psychological experiences) regarding the reanimation or return of soul to the world – and to our work
- Attending to the synchronistic nature of vocation, lived as a dialogue with an animated world.
The program outline, selected preliminary readings and session extracts are available here.
Download the full program outline for the day in PDF format here.
This seminar is the residential component accompanying the 8 week course Career as a Journey of Soul: Introduction to a depth psychological approach to vocation. The seminar may also be purchased separately, space permitting. Registration details below. Download a seminar flyer here.
Seminar presenters
Professor David Tacey
David Tacey is a public intellectual, known in the arts, religious and psychotherapy communities. He has published 14 books and 150 articles and chapters, including Re-Enchantment: The New Australian Spirituality; The Edge of the Sacred; Jung and the New Age; and Beyond Literal Belief: Religion as Metaphor. David has specialised in the work of CG Jung, and for 20 years taught Jung’s Cultural Psychology at La Trobe University. In 2000 he was invited to represent Australia at a congress on Religion and World Peace at the United Nations, New York. David’s interests include the role of the spiritual in secular societies, and a lifelong interest in Aboriginal religions, indigenous health and wellbeing. Read more about David's work here.
Dr Suzanne Cremen
Suzanne is the founder of the Life Artistry Centre. Having worked in over 20 occupations, from lawyer to publisher to career counsellor for adults in midlife, she understands the challenges and rewards of following an authentic calling. Suzanne's PhD research explored a depth psychological approach to vocation, drawing on real life stories of individuals. She holds two Masters degrees (in Depth Psychology, and Engaged Humanities and Mythology) from Pacifica Graduate Institute, California, where she is the only Australian-based faculty member, teaching a Masters course on depth psychology and vocation. Suzanne has presented keynotes and symposia at major international conferences, including in New York and Québec. Read more about Suzanne's work here.
Terra Cognita (2004). Alison Berry.
YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (please advise us of your dietary requirements)
- A list of recommended readings
Register now for final places:
Seminar registration: Full rate $225 inc. GST; Concession $195 inc. GST.
LAST MINUTE MAY SPECIAL $185 inc. GST
Pay by Direct Deposit (preferred method):
BSB: 313 140 (Bank Australia, Kew, Victoria)
Account number: 14073170
Account name: eContent t/a Life Artistry
If paying by direct deposit, please notify your name, the amount, date, event, deposit reference and dietary requirements separately - james@lifeartistry.com.au or telephone +61 3 9444 0570.
Credit Card or PayPal registration
Cancellation policy:
- $35 fee applies per cancellation received by 30 April 2017
- $50 fee applies per cancellation received from 1 May 2017
- No refund available after 31 May 2017
Accommodation:
Accommodation is usually available at University College - however, extensions to the accommodation area will now not be complete until mid July 2017. Accommodation at nearby Colleges is filling fast (International House, Ormond College, Queens College).
Therefore we have arranged a seminar discount with Vibe Hotel, 441 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC - 15 minutes walk or tram to seminar. Check the daily rate or request a University of Melbourne discount: tel. +61-3-9380 9222; carlton@vibehotels.com.au
Other options for accommodation that are close to University College include:
The Larwill Studio
Naughtons Parkville Hotel
Rydges on Swanston
There are also plenty of accommodation options in Melbourne city, which is about 20 minutes on a tram from the seminar venue.