I am very pleased to offer this series of self-guided audio workshops providing in-depth commentary on films, which I’ve used at CMED and other venues to teach about archetypes, symbolic language and spirituality.

“I know of no one else who could have created ‘Archetypes & Movies’. Jim’s knowledge of both film and archetypes is breathtaking, not to mention his entertaining style.”
~Caroline Myss, author of Sacred Contracts

A Journey of Fate or Destiny?
I’ve chosen to begin this audio workshop series with Ratatouille the 2007 animated film from Disney/Pixar. Ratatouille is a story about the hero’s journey and the choices that transform a fated life into a destined one.

A fated life is governed by unquestioning submission to the laws, beliefs, customs and values of the tribe (society). In order to achieve a destiny the hero must learn to choose intuitive guidance over the ego’s fear of humiliation and failure. This workshop examines these ideas along with a rich experience of Joseph Campbell’s seminal work on the archetype of the hero’s journey. Even if you’ve watched this film with me before, you’ll find that this course brings more insights and a whole new depth to the experience.

“A completely original, instructive, and inspiring look at the hero’s journey through the lens of our favorite super rodent. Don’t miss it.” ~Mark Matousek, author of When You’re Falling, Dive

“Ratatouille: Fate, Destiny & the Hero’s Journey” a self-guided audio workshop

$34.99

What you will receive:
1) A self-guided audio workshop to use in conjunction with watching the film.
2) A free companion workbook which includes:

Instructions on how to use the audio workshop with the movie
Archetypal profiles of the main characters
A guide to the Hero’s Journey
Reflections & Study Questions
Supplementary information to enhance your experience of the course

You can download the course immediately after purchase.

What you need for this self-guided audio workshop:

A copy of the 2007 Pixar/Disney film Ratatouille. A DVD is helpful to allow you to skip movie chapters, but you may also use digital stream or download.

A way to listen to the audio workshop file separate from the film such as a computer, iPod, iPhone, Android smart phone or other digital audio player.

“Jim’s take on film doesn’t just touch your heart and intellect, it also stimulates your soul.” ~Ellen Gunter, author of Earth Calling: A Climate Change Handbook for the 21st Century

Questions / Problems with purchase? Use the Contact form below:

Beloved Jim

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Julienne Givot

Our dear friend, Jim, left the earth on April 22nd 2021

He leaves behind many family members and countless friends who loved and treasured his wit and wisdom. He also leaves a legacy of love and generosity, healing and hope, clarity and surrender—all the markers of a mature spiritual traveler. Jim was Sage, Teacher, Scholar, Warrior, Guide, Trickster, Storyteller, Shapeshifter, Magical Child.

He broke new ground at Caroline Myss’s CMED classes by offering his rich perspectives and experiences from working with archetypes with actors like John Travolta, Willem Defoe, John Malkovich and Geena Davis. (In those days he explained them as “essences”, the fundamental uniqueness or charisma that each actor brought to each role.)

Evenings at CMED were Movie Night where Jim schooled us in what he might have called the spiritually subversive role of films in our lives. He gave us the chance to see movies as deep—often holy—stories filled with lessons and universal wisdom about our own spiritual challenges. He had a gift for seeing the mystical subtext in films, and a feel for the pulse of the changes thundering through our culture and film gave him the roadmap for understanding it himself and being able to explain it to others. A man of deep faith and devotion to God, he spread his gift of joyful perspective far and wide. If you knew him, your life was richer for it.

Farewell for now, dear friend, and many thanks for the richness your lifetime left behind for us.

with love ,

Jim’s friends Ellen and Julienne

PS: Please check back here for opportunities to celebrate Jim’s life and legacy.