Podcast Summary: Jung On Purpose — How to Make Decisions Using Intuition vs Ego
Podcast: Jung On Purpose by CreativeMind
Hosts: Debra Berndt Maldonado & Robert Maldonado, PhD
Episode: How to Make Decisions Using Intuition vs Ego
Date: November 24, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Debra and Dr. Rob Maldonado delve into the practical side of Jungian Depth Coaching, specifically exploring how to distinguish and make decisions using intuition (or “buddhi” mind/pure awareness) versus ego-driven thought. They break down the interplay between conscious and unconscious processes, discuss the pitfalls of over-identifying with ego, and offer both psychological and spiritual frameworks to bring greater clarity, purpose, and wisdom into decision-making. The tone is conversational, insightful, and motivating, challenging listeners to reflect deeply (but without judgment) on their own approach to life's choices.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Practicality of Pure Awareness
- Clarity over complexity:
- Debra introduces the challenge: “How do I apply this [pure awareness] in my life? …Give me some practical things I can do with this so I can apply it every day.” [00:38]
- Dr. Rob compares foggy glasses to unclear thinking, stressing the importance of clarity: “If you’re trying to solve a problem but you’re not seeing it clearly... you’re not going to solve that problem in the most efficient way... That’s the clarity that this buddhi mind gives you.” [01:07]
- Solving the correct problem:
Debra notes: “People are always working on the wrong problem and that’s why they’re not getting the results.” [01:42] - The buddhi or intellect, rooted in awareness, allows discernment about the true nature of problems rather than chasing external “solutions.”
Ego vs. Intuition: Definitions and Dynamics
- Ego as limitation:
- Dr. Rob: “It’s giving us a way... to discern where is it that we’re playing small and identifying with our small narrative of ego.” [03:00]
- Avoid “over-identifying” with your personal history and temporary emotional states.
- Integration as transcendence:
- *Dr. Rob introduces the concept of Jung’s transcendent function “integrating the conscious mind and the unconscious mind.” [03:40]
- In Eastern philosophy, this is seen as embodying the higher Self in everyday actions instead of letting the ego run your life.
Bridging Conscious and Unconscious (Jungian & Eastern Perspectives)
- Perception is filtered and subjective:
- Dr. Rob: “What I am experiencing is a reflection of my own assumptions about what this is.” [09:44]
- We see not what’s “out there,” but what we believe is out there. [09:49]
- The collective unconscious:
- Debra: “Wouldn’t it be like all the experiences of humanity from eons that we have access to?” [10:35]
- Dr. Rob distinguishes Jungian (symbolic, inherited content) vs. Eastern (universal consciousness) views. [11:08]
- Symbolic life:
- When bridging conscious and unconscious, life itself becomes symbolic and mythic, revealing deeper purpose and synchronicities.
Ego’s Limits vs. Wisdom of Intuition
- Rationality’s box:
- Debra: “The ego uses... rational thinking... always analyzing based on very rational ideas… but [the intellect brings] the irrational and the creative into the conversation.” [12:19]
- Wisdom through synthesis:
- Dr. Rob: “The function of this discerning intellect... allows us to be aware of both our ego experience and its temporary, illusory nature... bridging that with the wisdom mind that comes from pure awareness.” [14:07]
- Jung stresses the importance of “holding these opposites together”—seeing both light and shadow.
Making Ethical and Purposeful Decisions
- Moving past external rules:
- Dr. Rob: True ethical action arises from inner wisdom: “You will know from your own internal wisdom what is the proper action to take... It comes from within, from your heart, from your soul.” [23:37]
- Navigating decision paralysis and conflict:
- Debra: “Is it the ego... trying to predict what is the safest decision... rehearsing in our mind what’s going to happen... we have all these inner conflicts.” [24:32]
- Dr. Rob: “When you’re listening to the inner wisdom to make that decision, what that points to is higher purpose… Is this action aligned with my higher purpose?” [25:40]
Attachment, Mistakes, Growth, and Non-Judgment
- On making mistakes:
- Debra: “Even if we make it from ego... it can become something that helps us become enlightened.” [26:56]
- Dr. Rob: “The wisdom is from non-attachment to the results.” [29:49]
- Letting go of perfectionism:
- Debra: “We’re all so hard on ourselves when we are awake… the ego wants us to make our spiritual growth about checking off boxes… but if you can’t take action with pure awareness, at least look at the result with pure awareness first.” [30:51]
- Practice over perfection:
- Dr. Rob: “I love the idea of practice because it implies that you’re not going for perfection because there is no perfection.” [32:26]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On clarity:
“That’s the clarity that this buddhi mind gives you. It clarifies what is it that I’m experiencing?”
— Dr. Rob [01:07]
On working the wrong problem:
“People are always working on the wrong problem and that’s why they’re not getting results.”
— Debra [01:42]
On symbol and synchronicity:
“The internal conflict will show up externally so we can resolve it… that’s synchronicity… collapsing the divide between conscious and unconscious.”
— Debra [20:04]
On decisions and intuition:
“When you’re listening to the inner wisdom to make that decision, what that points to is higher purpose. You’re acting out of higher purpose, not of ego interests.”
— Dr. Rob [25:40]
On making mistakes:
“Even if you make a terrible decision or... screw up a friendship... it’s like, the world doesn’t crumble because you’re like, ‘Oh, I could take this from it.’”
— Debra [28:09]
On non-attachment:
“The wisdom is from non attachment to the results.”
— Dr. Rob [29:49]
On self-compassion and messiness:
“We have to accept that we’re going to be messy with other people’s emotions and they’re going to be messy with ours.”
— Debra [32:49]
On practice:
“It’s always a practice… you’re not going for perfection because there is no perfection.”
— Dr. Rob [32:26]
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Practicality of awareness and the “right” problem — 00:38–03:00
- Ego vs. intuition; Jungian transcendent function — 03:00–05:59
- Bridging conscious and unconscious, subjective perception — 08:11–10:35
- Collective unconscious & bridging Jung/Eastern views — 10:35–14:07
- Balancing opposites & symbolic life — 14:07–20:04
- Synchronicity and internal/external unity — 20:04–21:08
- Purposeful, ethical action from within — 23:14–24:32
- Decision paralysis and higher purpose — 24:32–27:40
- Mistakes, non-attachment, and growth — 27:40–32:26
- Self-compassion and embracing messiness — 32:26–34:00
- Conclusion & next episode preview — 34:00–34:27
Takeaways for Listeners
- The “buddhi” mind or discerning intellect allows us to bridge ego and intuition; with practice, you can operate from a deeper, wiser place.
- Mistakes and “wrong” decisions are opportunities for growth so long as you examine them without attachment or harsh judgment.
- Ethical, purposeful choices are rooted in internal wisdom, not external rules.
- Practice is key; don’t aim for perfection, but for awareness and growth.
- Pay attention to synchronicities, symbols, and the “irrational” information that emerges from the unconscious.
- Next episode will discuss the “creative will” and how to work with it.
Hosts' closing invitation:
“Just practice today. Be non-attached, look for synchronicities, start playing with that creative part of your mind that’s irrational, and just pay attention to where your awareness is. Is it in the ego or is it that pure awareness?”
— Debra [34:00]
This summary captures the depth, warmth, and practical wisdom of Debra and Dr. Rob’s discussion, offering both newcomers and longtime listeners actionable insights into distinguishing between ego and intuition in daily life decisions through the Jungian lens.