Our Personal Shadow
You must go into the dark in order to bring forth your light
December brings holidays and joyful activities, while also marking the winter season. like wise winter is a time to look at the darker side of us, the shadow parts of us to get a fuller
picture of who we are. So here’s an exercise from William A. Miller in Finding the Shadow in Daily Life. So don’t be afraid of really going there!
- List the qualities you don’t like in others (it’s OK if its lengthy);
- Now extract out of that not only what we dislike, but that we despise, horrified by, disgusted by, and loathe. (Although hard to believe, and even harder to accept, this short list is your personal shadow!)
Debbie Ford says that our shadow is long ago formed aspects of us “containing all the parts of ourselves that we have tried to hide or deny, the parts we believe are not acceptable to our family, friends, coworkers, and most importantly, ourselves. The Shadow comprises everything that annoys, horrifies, or disgusts us about others or ourselves. It’s the person we don’t think we are.”
The shadow’s role in our lives.
The shadow has enormous power over our lives: determining what we do or not, what we’re drawn to or repulsed by, what we avoid or love, and what we will judge and criticize. “Our shadow controls how much success we’re entitled to create or how much failure we’re doomed to experience. The shadow predicts all of our behaviors, driving the way we treat those around us—and how we treat ourselves.”
Using the shadow.
Ford says, “The shadow is not a problem to solve or an enemy to conquer but a fertile field to cultivate.” Digging into that soil, you’ll discover the potent seeds of the person you most desire to be.” She continued, “Embrace your shadow, and your life will transform.” You’re embracing your true self. Then you will be free to create the life you have always desired.”
Thank you all for taking a small journey into getting to know you better. For as we know our-selves better, our lives will be richer and even more meaningful.
Warm Regards,
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