You can’t have up without down, left without right, in not out, etc. etc.
You get my drift,right?
The contrasts or opposites provide us with the whole experience.
It is through experiencing all the ins and outs that we get to deepen our understanding and expand into more and more awareness.
This is how we evolve. And evolution is the reason we picked this human experience in the first place!
So it makes sense that we can’t know the light without the dark.
The dark or shadows often conjure up fear or ideas of something to turn if not run away from, when they can reveal your greatest treasures.
Do you remember how a scary shape in your room in the middle of the night transformed into a favourite blanket or toy when you turned the light on?
That’s what being willing to look at your shadow can be like.
Here’s a quick exercise to try this out….
Imagine stepping outside with the sun behind your head.As the sun rises towards its peak in the sky on the Summer Solstice, your shadow will appear before you.
It’s not bad. Nor is it wrong. It’s simply another part of the energy that is uniquely and gloriously You!
In your shadow lie the things you’ve kept hidden out of fear, shame, blame or guilt. When you bring them into the light, you can see how they helped you deepen in understanding, compassion, offered opportunity for forgiveness, kindness or greater self-care.
In your shadow lie the things that you perhaps felt were too big or heavy for you to handle. In the light you can observe, appreciate and acknowledge them for what they are now that you have grown, developed skills or expertise so you can handle them now.
In your shadow lie the gifts and talents you tucked away for fear of outshining others, or afraid of who you might become or what might have to change if you were to use them fully. So it’s more about blocks to visibility or responsibility than anything else.
In your shadow lie the dreams that are so bold, daring and beautiful that some part of you decided you couldn’t have them, or it was better not to go for them in case you failed or left others behind in the process.
Done ignoring your shadow?
Then for a moment, imagine that sun in the sky is your soul that can now illuminate what needs to be released or brought into the light to free you from hiding or dimming down your own brilliance.
Take a moment to really be with this, feeling whatever it feels like to recognise, notice and appreciate all that makes you who you are.
You might even want to give yourself a little – or big – hug.
What comes into your awareness?
What can you now begin?
And what else is possible now?
May you shine more brightly every day as you embrace your shadow.
Love
Alicia
