Individuation is Jung’s term for developing a more complete relationship with the different aspects of your psyche, rather than identifying only with the person you already know how to be.
It isn’t simply becoming more independent, distinctive or successful. An unfamiliar need, a disturbing dream or a quality you dislike may complicate the self-image that has worked so far.
The part that doesn’t fit may still belong.
You take pride in being self-sufficient. A wish for care arrives and seems embarrassing.
You could dismiss it as weakness. Or become curious about why your account of independence has so little room for receiving.
That example doesn’t capture the whole Jungian concept. It shows why greater completeness needn’t feel like flattering self-discovery at first.
I AWAKE uses some vocabulary from this tradition while offering its own guided books and practices. The connection is an invitation to meet more of your experience, not to perfect the public version of yourself.
Persona explores social identity. Shadow concerns what has been difficult to recognise as belonging to you, including qualities that aren’t necessarily bad.
The International Association for Analytical Psychology’s Individuation explains the concept within analytical psychology. It is a useful next read when individuation has been reduced to a slogan about becoming your best self.