Inner Cosmos as a Resource for Psychological Stabilisation: The Therapeutic Potential of Cosmological Imagination

The study explores the therapeutic value of “inner cosmos” and “cosmological imagination” by applying philosophical and psychological methods to analyze these concepts. Modern psychiatric treatments in today’s society focus on managing symptoms while attempting to restore personal integrity, especially in light of global events like armed conflicts and ecological disasters. The research combines phenomenological, archetypal, historical-medical, and neuropsychological approaches to demonstrate the healing benefits of cosmological imagination. The theoretical framework merges historical microcosm-macrocosm ideas with current phenomenological theories, starting with Husserl’s concept of intentionality and progressing through Merleau-Ponty’s embodied perception to reach modern cosmopsychism. The spontaneous appearance of archetypal cosmological symbols, such as mandalas, is viewed through Jungian theory as a response to psychological fragmentation, which helps create order and wholeness. Historical evidence shows that cosmic imagery has remained a core element in medical thought from Paracelsus through Renaissance traditions.Neuropsychological studies indicate that cosmological imagination activates three key brain networks, including the medial prefrontal cortex and the default mode network, as well as regions involved in self-awareness and emotional regulation. Functional MRI scans demonstrate that mental imagery stimulates brain pathways similar to those used in direct perception, supporting the biological effectiveness of therapy. The clinical applications reveal that guided imagery, mindfulness meditation, and therapeutic work for depression, anxiety, and trauma are effective. This approach holds promise for developing new therapies that integrate philosophical insights with scientific research. Using cosmological images helps individuals establish order and predictability, while connecting to higher realities, which assists in coping with the large-scale traumatic effects of current conflicts.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Philosophy and Cosmology
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.29202/phil-cosm/35/6
Primary Topic
Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
Type
article
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article

Inner Cosmos as a Resource for Psychological Stabilisation: The Therapeutic Potential of Cosmological Imagination

Anastasiia Lazarieva
Philosophy and Cosmology
Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
article

Inner Cosmos as a Resource for Psychological Stabilisation: The Therapeutic Potential of Cosmological Imagination

Anastasiia Lazarieva
article en

Abstract

The study explores the therapeutic value of “inner cosmos” and “cosmological imagination” by applying philosophical and psychological methods to analyze these concepts. Modern psychiatric treatments in today’s society focus on managing symptoms while attempting to restore personal integrity, especially in light of global events like armed conflicts and ecological disasters. The research combines phenomenological, archetypal, historical-medical, and neuropsychological approaches to demonstrate the healing benefits of cosmological imagination. The theoretical framework merges historical microcosm-macrocosm ideas with current phenomenological theories, starting with Husserl’s concept of intentionality and progressing through Merleau-Ponty’s embodied perception to reach modern cosmopsychism. The spontaneous appearance of archetypal cosmological symbols, such as mandalas, is viewed through Jungian theory as a response to psychological fragmentation, which helps create order and wholeness. Historical evidence shows that cosmic imagery has remained a core element in medical thought from Paracelsus through Renaissance traditions.Neuropsychological studies indicate that cosmological imagination activates three key brain networks, including the medial prefrontal cortex and the default mode network, as well as regions involved in self-awareness and emotional regulation. Functional MRI scans demonstrate that mental imagery stimulates brain pathways similar to those used in direct perception, supporting the biological effectiveness of therapy. The clinical applications reveal that guided imagery, mindfulness meditation, and therapeutic work for depression, anxiety, and trauma are effective. This approach holds promise for developing new therapies that integrate philosophical insights with scientific research. Using cosmological images helps individuals establish order and predictability, while connecting to higher realities, which assists in coping with the large-scale traumatic effects of current conflicts.

Philosophy and CosmologyVol. 35
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
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Inner Cosmos as a Resource for Psychological Stabilisation: The Therapeutic Potential of Cosmological Imagination — Anastasiia Lazarieva · Philosophy and Cosmology (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS