Easter, Transformation, and the Paradox of Acceptance

Whatever our beliefs, Easter Sunday can be considered a universal day of renewal and rebirth. For some, it marks the cornerstone of Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For others, it is a springtime symbol of awakening and growth. But for all, it offers an invitation: to reflect on the old and make space for something new.

Carl Rogers, the renowned humanistic psychologist, once wrote: "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." In these few words, Rogers distilled a profound truth: that transformation does not begin with self-rejection, but with self-acceptance. And in that light, Easter becomes more than a commemoration—it becomes a mirror to our own inner lives.

The Journey of Jesus: A Universal Human Story

Though deeply rooted in Christian doctrine, the life of Jesus can also be viewed as an archetypal journey of transformation. Not in the sense of reducing his divinity, but in recognizing that his story resonates with recurring psychological and spiritual patterns that appear across human history.

In the wilderness, Jesus is tempted and tested—an experience of self-examination and identity formation. In Gethsemane, he expresses anguish and fear, crying out in vulnerability. On the cross, he speaks words of despair: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These moments reflect the universal human struggle with fear, doubt, loss, and surrender.

And then, after death, resurrection. Renewal. Emergence into something more complete.

Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, saw Christ not only as a religious figure, but as the archetype of the Self—a symbol of wholeness and integration. Jung understood the crucifixion and resurrection not only as historical events, but as symbolic representations of the inner transformation that each person undergoes as they move toward greater awareness and authenticity.

Death as Transformation

To grow, something in us must die. A belief, a pattern, a defense. These aren't destroyed in shame, but rather laid to rest with reverence. They become part of our story—dead but not forgotten. As we change, the past can no longer hurt us in the same way. But it will always be there to inform us, to humble us, and to remind us of who we once were.

This idea is echoed in spiritual thinkers like Richard Rohr, who describes the second half of life as a spiritual journey that begins with ego death. It is seen in the writings of Thomas Merton, who calls for the shedding of the false self. And it aligns with the wisdom of Rogers, who believed that people grow when they feel deeply accepted.

Renewal Through Acceptance

When we accept ourselves as we are—our doubts, our mistakes, our longings—we create the conditions for true change. Not forced. Not faked. But real, sustained transformation. This is the curious paradox Rogers spoke of. And it is also the mystery of Easter.

The resurrection story can inspire us not just to believe in a past event, but to participate in a present unfolding. Whether we view Jesus as the Son of God, a moral teacher, or an archetypal guide, the pattern remains: descent, death, and rebirth. This is the rhythm of nature. The rhythm of the psyche. The rhythm of Easter.

An Invitation

So, on this day of renewal, let us each ask:

• What in me is ready to be laid to rest?

• What part of me is yearning to be born anew?

• Can I embrace myself, just as I am, so that I may become something more?

In doing so, we honor not only the story of Jesus, but the deep human story within each of us. A story of struggle, surrender, grace, and transformation. A story that reminds us:

When I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.