Shadow.

healthwellnessyogameditationmindfulnesshealingSelf-Improvement

Jun 1

"The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”
- Brené Brown

Episode 47.

The shadow has been cast in a dismal, negative, ominous air. Its essence has represented darkness (shadow as opposite of light); evil (shadow as immoral or corrupt); hiding (lurching in the shadows); obscurity (shadow of ambiguity or uncertainty); illusion (shadow of truth).

Can we alter our view of shadow, from a seat of dreadful gloom to a place emanated from a bright beacon? Can we connect with and embrace the shadow that is actually a pillar of goodness, earnestly steadfast by our side?

Instead of my shadow convincing me of loneliness, can I see it as an unconditional companion? Can my shadow be my best friend, my compass, my guardian? Can I see that instead of my shadow hiding something, it is revealing something? Can the shadow be as important as the light? And can my own shadow bond me to another person, in all their humanness, as an anchored connection to each other, through our shadowed parts, as they walk synchronously side by side?

We often keep these parts of us locked in the grey outline of our self- as a shadow- unwilling to accept the exiled demons or nourish the places that feel vulnerable. How do we free these parts and allow the shadows to dance?

Maybe it is as simple as recognizing that you need light to make a shadow. Maybe it is honoring the shadow as a part of you.

My shadow reminds me that I exist. My shadow bestows validation of the fullness of my being- in all its parts- in all its glory! My shadow is evidence that I have a forever friend. My shadow affirms that I am not alone.

Maybe your shadow is the companion you crave. Maybe your shadow is an expression of the light that exists, despite any amount of darkness that amasses from the unavoidable hardships of this life. Maybe your shadow is appealing to be seen- not cast out. Maybe your shadow can be accepted and embraced and loved. Maybe you can feel just a little more complete, with your shadow as a trusted part of you.

Shadow. Light. Here. Always with you.

“How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also If I am to be whole.”
- Carl Jung

“The brighter the light, the deeper the shadow.”
- Jay Kristoff

“So don't be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don't know what work they are accomplishing within you?”
- Rainer Maria Rilke