Or a better question…do you know your inner light? According to New York Times Best Selling Authors Deepak Chapra, Debbie Ford, and Marianne Williamson, revealing our dark side reconnects us to the life we were meant to live and the people we were meant to be.
Similar to Eckhart Tolle’s idea of “the ego,” our shadow (new coined term) is the part of ourselves we want to hide from the world. Our mistakes, guilt, failures, insecurities and demons that we bury under a carefully crafted ego of armor. These three beloved teachers have come together to offer their insight into how we can become aware of our ego/shadow enough to dismantle it’s rein on our lives.
I like to think of the ego/shadow as a box. A box that we create to please the universe. A role we play because it’s safe and allows us to blend into the wallpaper. To reveal our true authenticity would mean putting fear and self doubt aside. I know! It’s a damn scary thought. But it’s the only way we can begin to sculpt and reveal our most epic self.
So much of this book hit home with me.
So much of this book hit home with me.
Specifically, I loved the following bit …
“If we operate inside the myth that we must squelch, kill off, lock up and hide all of the qualities that make us interesting and unique, we forsake our right to experience passion and peace. The quest for the perfect life, the perfect role, and the perfect persona will always leave us unfulfilled- even if we attain it- for the simple reason that we are much more than the small handful of qualities that fit neatly into our ego ideal.” Debbie Ford.
“If we operate inside the myth that we must squelch, kill off, lock up and hide all of the qualities that make us interesting and unique, we forsake our right to experience passion and peace. The quest for the perfect life, the perfect role, and the perfect persona will always leave us unfulfilled- even if we attain it- for the simple reason that we are much more than the small handful of qualities that fit neatly into our ego ideal.” Debbie Ford.
I wrangled with myself over the last year during my travels through out Australia. When I sold everything and left the states behind it was my way of pulling the mask off. My chance to pull off the self prescribed life I had chosen for a new path of adventure and self discovery.
I vividly remember waking up some mornings having no idea who I was anymore. If I wasn’t a dancer, a pilates instructor, the teachers pet, then who was I? What was I doing on the other side of the world? What was my path, my purpose, my drive? Where had it gone and why couldn’t I find it? I had pushed myself so hard to break out of my set persona that I was literally lost. Lonely, depressed, and not understanding why.
What I found in the dark scary place of unknowing was why I went on the journey.
I vividly remember waking up some mornings having no idea who I was anymore. If I wasn’t a dancer, a pilates instructor, the teachers pet, then who was I? What was I doing on the other side of the world? What was my path, my purpose, my drive? Where had it gone and why couldn’t I find it? I had pushed myself so hard to break out of my set persona that I was literally lost. Lonely, depressed, and not understanding why.
What I found in the dark scary place of unknowing was why I went on the journey.
To appreciate, accept and be grateful for the universe and how it supports me. I learned what I needed. I needed a humbling kick in the ass, a support group, and concrete under my feet.
And like I have learned since getting grounded back state side, the ego/shadow will continually throw challenges at us. It makes us jump through hoops and prove our authenticity and inner strength. Because without the dark there would be no light. Without the struggle there would be no growth and ultimate happiness.
And like I have learned since getting grounded back state side, the ego/shadow will continually throw challenges at us. It makes us jump through hoops and prove our authenticity and inner strength. Because without the dark there would be no light. Without the struggle there would be no growth and ultimate happiness.
I simple adore this books message and will stack it with my slew of awareness/mindfulness manuals. The Shadow Effect is even taking Hollywood by storm. Here’s the inspirational trailer:
If you want to help a sister out you can buy the book through me here : The Shadow Effect: Illuminating the Hidden Power of Your True Self
How have you let go of your ego lately?
How have you let go of your ego lately?
