Ja-Nee: Finding Meaning and Beauty in Paradox

Presenter: Ian McCallum
Venue: Online via Zoom
Time: Tuesday evening, 19 November at 19:30 SAST (GMT +2)
Fee: ZAR150. Booking is essential.

About the Lecture

The Afrikaans expression “Ja-Nee” (/ˌjɑːˈnɪə/) literally means “yes-no”. Two words that seem to cancel each other out, almost like a ‘non-statement.’ However, when spoken and heard in a slow, reflective tone, it is anything but that.

Rich in philosophical and psychological substance, it draws attention to the understanding of life and the nature of truth as inherently paradoxical. Not merely the idea that every story has at least two sides, but that the dynamic opposites of life – such as yin and yang, birth and death – are essential aspects of existence itself.

Through a psychological lens, these opposites come alive as we attempt to understand the human psyche. For example, consciousness exists both as an individual and a collective phenomenon; enlightenment brings with it the shadow; and myths hold both individual and universal significance.

Then, there is human life itself. Each of us will experience our souls being trodden upon in one way or another. Sometimes, with deliberate reflection and a new perspective, adversity can become a prime ingredient in the process of individuation. In this respect, the process of finding meaning and beauty in paradox is profoundly alchemical.

Join us for this insightful presentation by Ian McCallum as he explores how the seemingly simple expression “Ja-Nee” can offer profound perspectives on how reconciling the opposites within ourselves is central to the human search for meaning – but also integral to the psychoanalytic process itself. It is a challenge, it is necessary, and it is potentially beautiful.

About the Presenter

Ian McCallum is a psychiatrist, analytical psychologist, and a foundation member of SAAJA. He holds positions at Nelson Mandela University Graduate School of Business and the University of Cape Town. His interests encompass evolutionary biology, conservation psychology, and environmental ethics.

McCallum is also an author and poet, known for works like “Wild Gifts” and “Untamed.” He co-authored the award-winning ‘UNTAMED’ exhibition at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and received the Wild Literary Award at the World Wilderness Congress in Mexico 2009. He’s a co-founder of the International League of Conservation Writers, a specialist wilderness guide, trustee of the Cape Leopard Trust, and founding partner of safari organization, Invent Africa.

BOOKING INFORMATION | Advance Booking Essential

• Bookings close at 12:00 noon SAST on Monday, 18 November 2024. The Zoom link will be distributed at 14:00 SAST on the day of the event.
• We invite students to contact us for a 50% discount to all our events.
• Currently enrolled participants of SAAJA’s Certificate Course 2024 attend at no cost.
• In the event of tickets being sold out or sales closed, a recording of the lecture will be available for purchase. For more information, contact SAAJA at +27 21 689 6090 or email saaja@mweb.co.za