by Jackie Horsburgh
In putting into words my reflections on the APPCIOS Conference this year I must say I found the new format a little daunting but, in the end, I felt it enabled a more in-depth exploration of some key themes which are not only relevant in today’s world but are of particular importance to those interested in group dynamics (whether that be society itself, groups or organisations).
The title ““How Reality Happens” is a vast topic so this allowed enough space for us to offer our unique perspectives, drawing from how all aspects of “reality” is conjured up in our minds. We had the benefit of being in smaller groups (which led to a feeling of belonging) and finding ourselves again in the larger group to share similar and different perspectives. This was hugely valuable, especially as an open and honest dialogue was genuinely encouraged by the conference facilitators.
We considered various ways of thinking about psychic reality across the different psychoanalytic schools. Some themes that stand out are the influence of our unconscious in shaping reality, the importance of fantasy, transference, internal objects, use of symbolism (which brings an “as if” quality) and the value of learning which leads to growth and greater understanding. As therapists, we are aware how it is the ruptures in therapy that often bring necessary and greatest change. Not forgetting Bion’s notion of ‘O’ as the ultimate reality, which we cannot know but only ‘become’.
The format was paced in a way that allowed our imaginations to flourish. Alongside our thinking, some artwork was quietly being produced (in the background) which we had the benefit of viewing in more detail once complete after the conference. The artwork captured key themes which I go on to discuss. Early on we were given the privilege of viewing a video by Ed Atkin (his video art was being shown at The Tate Britain at the time). This vivid and immersive experience enlivened us to consider the sincere question of “what is reality”? What can we rely on in visual form? What are we being drawn to focus on (and in so doing miss or lose sight of)? Can we ever know what reality truly is or can we only know it from our own perspectives, ie how it is experienced in our own bodies and minds?
Ultimately, we acknowledged that to participate in reality requires us, at times, to bear uncertainty and come to know, rather than grasp for, understanding which might lead to an answer quickly but this could be inaccurate or “untrue”. How do we know?
This was debated in the group discussions where some hugely important topics were brought in for scrutiny. The growth of artificial intelligence and its sweep across so many domains which affect our views of the world. The influence of media outlets in what they choose to present and edit (in or out). The influence of social media, which is becoming more popular through ease of access, but also as we become more distrustful of more traditional news forums.
It almost goes without saying that most people now believe misinformation abounds across society in an effort to influence our choices. I am noticing more and more the sensational, exaggerated news reports. More worrying or disheartening is the negative slant that underpins headlines causing us to be pulled into existential anxiety on a daily basis. I am left with a feeling that I have succumbed to some sort of propaganda or feeling “gaslit” – a word I didn’t know before all this happened. The result is that we no longer trust information we are being fed and have limited means to find out the truth. I find myself (and others like me) are “tuning out” or choosing to “switch off” from news to create a different “reality” without this negative influence that feels toxic at times.
We spoke about how Reality TV is becoming more popular as we are drawn into other people’s reality, which feels like a sense of voyeurism encouraged and heightened by forms of jeopardy and risk. I am noticing this type of programming seems to be flooding the zone. Is that healthy for us individually or as a society to follow this path? To my mind it fosters a sense of fear or shame, projecting anything bad into others (or good into the idealised status of celebrities) but in the long run might be more destructive as we disown our own values or shadow sides of ourselves. I worry that we are also fostering a culture of “getting away with it” which aligns with a more individualistic moral view. This could lead to a downward spiral rather than a compassionate and healthy respect for the complexity of life, others and what it “really” means to be a human with all our past, present and future pitfalls and celebrations.
Of course, technology is bringing huge advantages to the way we can interact across the globe and has the potential for us to connect widely with so many different people. Online platforms have reshaped how meetings are held but we must also consider the side effects. The disinhibition effect, fantasy, transference, unconscious are still around but perhaps without the acute bodily sense of being with someone in person, it is easier to lose a sense of reality through a more honest, bodily felt, sense.
I recognise I might be coming across as rather gloomy and pessimistic but I believe we can stay in a good “reality” place if we protect ourselves from the blast of cold winds coming our way and keep our feet firmly on the ground. So, I advocate for the importance of using our own intuition, which seems vital in today’s world. I see it as our natural ability to perceive reality directly. We access it more from the body and feelings than through the conscious mind. We might find ourselves in a situation and are surprised by our calmness as underneath we have a sense of knowing it is OK and that we know we can trust it. Conversely, we might feel a sense of danger before it presents itself and prepare for it wisely. The value of intuition cannot be understated but I sense a movement to recognising its value. Its value is in that it helps us to discern and not necessarily align with the reality we are often presented with now. I truly believe intuition, remarkably, holds the greatest source of wisdom and compassion for us to trust it; it simply aligns with our truth. So, I would encourage us to value, nurture and pay attention to it.
I am grateful for the APPCIOS Conference in supporting my thinking about the “reality” we are in.
Reference:
Bion, Wilfred (1970) “Attention and Interpretation” Page 26.
https://www.routledge.com/Attention-and-Interpretation-A-scientific-approach-to-insight-in-psycho-analysis-and-groups/Bion/p/book/9780415846158
Note
If you are interested in seeing some of Ed Atkin’s video artwork, it can be found on You Tube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbMkkTZTT_0