Shadow and Light
In life, completeness is found in the connection of light and dark within. The proportions are different for each of us, depending on where our path has ventured. Many times we seek our wholeness in the exterior realm, through another person or work. At best, those experiences only fill the gap temporarily through the distraction. As we accept our shadow side, it no longer needs to haunt us to be noticed...instead, it becomes incorporated into the amazing expression of our humanity and embodies an integrated, whole Being. This is truly the circle of life.
It can be very challenging and even frightful to face those parts of us we know are there but don't like and don't want to acknowledge for fear that we may actually embody those aspects and become them. It is precisely our fears, and the strong energy we direct to those fears, that give them the life and the desire to be acknowledged. Why deny what we know is true about ourselves? Why lie to ourselves and pretend? Who are we trying to fool? Perhaps we can exhibit outward expressions that show the rest of the world a false self, but we can never really escape ourselves. And worse, through this deception, our blame and shame around ourselves grows deeper and contributes to the shadow we are denying.
No, it is in the acceptance and exploration of our inner soul shadows that we can complete the circle and integrate our being...knowing wholeness for perhaps the first time. It does not mean that we have to love those "darker" elements, it means that by acknowledging them, they don't have to act out to get our attention. Through the exploration, inquiry, and observation of those aspects, we begin to ask honest questions and understand ourselves in a new, holistic way...perhaps for the first time. This leads to wholeness and integrity from the inside out and is the most powerful force in the universe because it leads to acceptance, respect, and love of ourselves.
