Recently, headlines have been filled with controversy over tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump—moves that have stirred up significant turmoil in international markets. The prevailing reactions have often been loud and polarised, framing the issue as either economically regressive or a necessary act of protectionism.

But what might we discover if we pause for a moment and ask: What sense can we make of this from a psycho-spiritual perspective?

Let’s begin by looking at the broader context of global trade. There is a dominant narrative that paints global trade as inherently beneficial—one that promises growth, prosperity, and mutual development. And to be fair, global trade has lifted millions out of poverty and connected countries in ways never before imagined.

Yet, if one were to do even a cursory search online, a different picture begins to emerge. Critiques abound—some of them deeply troubling. Scholars and activists alike have pointed out the darker side of global trade: labour exploitation, especially in developing countries where cheap labour often means unsafe working conditions, long hours, and dismal wages. The term sweatshop is not a relic of the past—it’s a lived reality for many today (WTO, 2022; International Labour Organization). Additionally, the environmental degradation resulting from mass production and unchecked consumption patterns can no longer be ignored (WWF, 2023).

With this context in mind, Trump’s imposition of tariffs, though politically controversial and economically disruptive, can be seen through a different lens—not merely as an act of aggression or protectionism, but perhaps as an expression of the archetype of the Trickster.

In mythology and Jungian psychology, the Trickster figure is not merely a joker or chaos-maker. Rather, the Trickster is one who disrupts norms, mocks the status quo, and forces the collective to wake up. They stir the pot—not always with grace—but with the potential to catalyze deep transformation. Carl Jung saw the Trickster as an essential figure for psychological growth, pushing us to confront blind spots in our personal and societal thinking (Jung, 1959).

In this light, Trump—knowingly or not—may be embodying this role. By implementing tariffs, he disrupted the dominant narrative of free trade and forced the world to ask: Is this system as fair and sustainable as we thought? Are there voices and costs we’ve been ignoring? His actions, while not providing a comprehensive alternative, nonetheless open space for questioning.

For me, this psycho-spiritual lens is heartening. It softens the polarized, often moralistic conversations we have about global events and invites us into a more reflective space. It reminds us that what may appear chaotic or even destructive on the surface may carry a deeper invitation: to look again, to think critically, and perhaps to imagine new possibilities.

No, we may not have all the answers right now. And no, this perspective is not an endorsement of all policies or actions. But to begin by questioning—our assumptions, our economic systems, our biases—can be a powerful starting point.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s where change begins.

Hello and welcome!
 
If you’re anything like me, you might sometimes look around and feel overwhelmed by just how unpredictable, chaotic, and fast-changing the world feels. That’s because, whether we like it or not, we live in what’s often called a VUCA world—a world that is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. This term originally came from the military (Bennis & Nanus, 1985), but it’s now used to describe the emotional and psychological landscape we’re all trying to navigate.

Living in a VUCA world can be deeply unsettling. At times, it can feel frightening or disorienting. But I’ve also found it to be full of possibility—a place where growth, insight, and meaning can emerge from even the most confusing experiences.

As a psychosynthesis therapist, I draw strength from a perspective that blends psychology with spirituality. This isn’t about religion—it’s about the deeper layers of our human experience. Psychosynthesis, developed by Roberto Assagioli (1965), invites us to see ourselves not just as bundles of thoughts or behaviours, but as whole beings—body, mind, heart, and soul—trying to make sense of life.

This blog is my little corner of the internet to share that perspective with you.
It’s a space where I’ll be offering reflections, tools, and ideas that I hope will support you in moving from a place of fear or confusion toward something more grounded, more compassionate, and ultimately more flourishing.

Psychosynthesis teaches us that we all have an inner compass, even when the outer world feels like it’s spinning. And I believe that when we learn to listen to that inner guidance, we start to live with more intention, creativity, and connection.

So whether you’re here out of curiosity, a hunger for meaning, or just a need to feel less alone—welcome. I hope these posts feel like a cup of tea with a thoughtful friend: warm, honest, and gently encouraging.