Symbolism: The Tether Between the Mind and the World

Symbolism: The Tether Between the Mind and the World

Abhirami Sankaran

2/3/2023


Rollo May “The Significance of Symbols”

Symbolic action bridges the gap “between outer existence (the world) and inner meaning; and it arose out of man’s capacity to separate inner meaning and outer existence” (22). Note the vision quest, spiritual journey, or in elaborated religion, pilgrimage, involves a separation from the buzz of the world and provides space for symbolic action to take place. 

In this reflection I will analyze the aforementioned excerpt from Rollo May’s “The Significance of Symbols”. Symbols are a large part of how humans understand the world. We attach them to our countries, our houses (ex. House crests), and our religions. They are an essential part of how we view ourselves. For example, a house whose crest displays a wolf might consider themselves strong and loyal. Members of the house will use said crest to guide their daily actions. As such the symbol bridges the gap between the interior world, that of thought and decisions, to the outer physical world.  The symbol holds meaning and morals which are used as representative or the members of the house.

This manner of viewing the world allows people to guide their lives. 

We are able to place symbols around us that shape the person we want to be. We imbue objects with meaning then use these objects to solidify our behaviors. For example, recently I have been trying to be a more thoughtful and self-sufficient person. Specifically, I have been wanting to get better and emotional regulation. In an endeavor to pursue this goal, I got myself a journal. When I write in it, I affirm my conviction to improve myself and remind myself of my goals. I separate myself from the world around me and purposefully allow myself to explore and understand my mind, my thoughts, and my beliefs. In this way, the journal takes on a greater meaning than simply a book with loose paper. The interaction between the symbolic and physical world becomes near ritualistic. The gap between my inner world and the physical world is bridged by a symbol, it is not the journal that is essential but what the journal represents. This symbolic use also ties me more concretely to the world around me, since my thoughts are not simply free form inside me but connected to the world around me. 

This symbolizing of the concrete is a version of what happens during religious rituals. A space is created where a certain aspect of oneself can be explored. The delegation of a space and objects allow the mind to more easily conform to a person's desires and expectations. 

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