Carl Greer: Unlocking the Power Within for Personal Transformation

Carl Greer, PhD, PsyD, is a man who has truly lived many lives. From a traditional Midwestern upbringing in Pennsylvania and Indiana to a career as a professor at Columbia University’s Business School, a businessman, a clinical psychologist, and a Jungian analyst, his life has been a journey of constant reinvention. As he approaches his 85th year, Greer has embraced his calling as a shamanic practitioner, blending ancient wisdom with modern psychology. His latest work, Go Within to Change Your Life, offers a powerful, interactive guide for those looking to break free from subconscious blocks and tap into their inner wisdom.

I sat down with Carl Greer to discuss his journey, his work, and the inspiration behind his latest book. This conversation not only sheds light on his personal evolution but offers profound insights into the healing and transformative power of self-awareness, journaling, and shamanic practices.

You’ve had such a varied and fascinating career, Carl. Can you tell us a bit about your journey and what led you to write Go Within to Change Your Life?

Certainly. My life has been full of unexpected turns. Growing up, I thought I would follow in my father’s footsteps and work in the steel industry, but that was not the path I took. I went on to become a professor at Columbia University’s Business School, then shifted gears into clinical psychology, all while staying connected to the world of business. But later in life, my interests shifted again, and I began exploring Jungian analysis and shamanism.

As I grew older, I began to question the disconnect I saw in many people’s lives. They had outwardly successful or “happy” lives, yet many were struggling on a deeper level. They were on spiritual journeys, but those journeys didn’t always translate into real change in their daily lives. I wanted to help people bridge that gap—those who were on spiritual paths and those who were not yet connected to that realm—by helping them tap into their inner wisdom and create real transformation.

Go Within to Change Your Life is my attempt to offer practical tools for self-discovery and healing, integrating my experiences with Jungian psychology and shamanic wisdom. It’s not just about learning theory; it’s about doing the work to unlock your potential, understand your subconscious, and make meaningful changes.

You speak a lot about accessing our inner wisdom. Could you expand on that?

Yes, we all have an inner wisdom—something within us that helps us make decisions, act, and feel in alignment with our true selves. It’s there, but often, it’s hidden beneath layers of fear, doubt, and conditioning. Have you ever said something and thought, “I don’t know why I said that”? Or acted in a way that seemed contradictory to your true desires? That’s your inner wisdom trying to speak to you.

The problem is that many people have difficulty hearing this inner voice because they are not trained to listen. My book is full of exercises, like journaling and self-reflection, that can help you quiet the noise and tune into those deeper parts of yourself.

This process is about breaking down those subconscious blocks and building a conscious connection with the inner wisdom that guides us. When we do that, we can access a level of clarity and purpose that many of us don’t realize is available to us.

How does journaling fit into this process? And how did you integrate shamanism with it?

Journaling is an incredibly powerful tool for self-reflection. It allows you to externalise your thoughts and feelings, which can bring clarity and insight. In my practice, I’ve found that journaling can help people reflect on their day, identify patterns in their thoughts and behaviors, and ultimately connect to their unconscious mind.

Incorporating shamanism into this practice adds another layer. Shamanism is about engaging with the world in a way that recognises the interconnectedness of all things. It’s about asking the deeper questions, like, “What’s going on in my life? What am I feeling? What is my relationship with myself, others, and nature?”

By journaling about your experiences, and reflecting on your feelings in nature, you begin to connect with energies that may not be immediately obvious but are there for you to work with. For example, you might start to see how certain patterns in your life are tied to deeper, unconscious fears. With shamanic practices, you can begin to work through those fears and release them.

You mention that your own journey with journaling began at age 60. What advice would you give someone just starting out with journaling or those who may feel uncertain about it?

It’s never too late to begin. I started journaling later in life, and it’s been transformative for me. The key is to start simple. You don’t have to write every day, but try to check in with yourself regularly. Ask yourself questions like, “How am I feeling today?” or “What’s going on in my life that I need to address?” Over time, you’ll start to uncover patterns and insights.

Don’t worry about judgment or perfection. Just write. What you put down doesn’t have to be polished—it’s for you. As you become more comfortable, you might start to uncover deeper layers of yourself, and that’s when the real magic happens. With practice, journaling can become an incredibly powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation.

Nature plays an important role in your work. How can people begin to connect with nature in a meaningful way?

Nature is a gateway to connection, and it doesn’t require a lot of effort to begin. Find a place where you feel comfortable—a park, a beach, a forest—and spend some time there. Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and just be. Ask yourself, “How do I feel here? What does this place have to teach me?”

Shamanism teaches that we are deeply connected to everything around us, including nature. By sitting in nature and listening, we can receive insights and guidance that we might not find elsewhere. It’s a way of attuning ourselves to the world around us and opening ourselves to the wisdom that nature has to offer.

What would you recommend for someone new to shamanism who wants to start exploring it on their own?

I always recommend starting with nature. Find a place in nature where you feel at ease, and let that space be your entry point. Ask yourself questions like, “What am I feeling right now? What’s my relationship with this space?” It’s about being open to the subtle messages that come from the environment around you.

Shamanism is not something you need to learn all at once or from a book. It’s about experience. As you deepen your connection with nature, you may feel called to read or find a teacher, but trust the process. The world is full of signs and synchronicities, and when you’re ready, you’ll start to see them.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you after this book?

I’m currently working on a memoir that will incorporate my shamanic experiences along with the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life. I’ve been through a lot—advanced prostate cancer, open heart surgery, and the loss of my wife to leukemia—and these experiences have given me a new perspective on life. I feel incredibly grateful for every day I get to live and work.

As I continue to write, I’m focusing on how we can use our life experiences—especially the difficult ones—to fuel personal growth and transformation. It’s all about embracing the present moment, learning from our past, and being open to the possibilities of the future.

Go Within to Change Your Life is available now, and it offers readers a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and healing. Carl Greer’s blend of Jungian psychology and shamanic practices provides the tools to break free from old patterns and step into a more authentic, empowered life. For those ready to make lasting changes, this workbook offers a transformative guide to accessing your inner wisdom and creating the life you truly desire.

DISCOVER: CarlGreer.com