- Ego death is a “complete loss of subjective self-identity”. The term is used in various intertwined contexts, with related meanings. Jungian psychology uses the synonymous term psychic death, referring to a fundamental transformation of the psyche. In death and rebirth mythology, ego death is a phase of self-surrender and transition, as described by Joseph Campbell in his research on the mythology of the Hero’s Journey. It is a recurrent theme in world mythology and is also used as a metaphor in some strands of contemporary western thinking.
- Spring Creek Canyon Natural Area Preserve (dnr.wa.gov)
The basalt canyons in this 235-acre preserve contain remnant examples of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forest, as well as shrub-grassland ecosystems. Steep talus slopes, dominated by a variety of mosses and lichens, occur in patches throughout the preserve. The canyon bottoms support aspen and cottonwood trees, and a variety of shrub species, providing excellent habitat for songbirds and other wildlife. A wildfire burned through most of this preserve in 2002, but left much of the forest overstory intact while thinning out many of the smaller, younger trees.