The Light Side of Shadows….
Distress is one way spirit brings attention to a part of ourselves that wants to be released and healed. The clues and hints are there for us to experience in the way our body feels physically, and how our mind processes thoughts. By listening truthfully, we can decide how to work through things in a manageable way for everyone involved.
Everyone has shadows. Shadows lie deep within the recesses of self, otherwise known as the ego. Sometimes we are in resistance to hearing this truth because it sounds ‘negative’. We don’t want to be seen as someone who is carrying something dark or negative inside us. We take measures to ensure we project kindness, compassion, caring and respect to our relationships with others. This lasts only so long.
The truth is there is both light and dark, in varying degrees, within each of us. Denying and/or repressing the signals of the darkness actually feed the shadows. We might believe we are focusing our attention on our light and do not realize we are avoiding a part of ourselves because we are afraid. When we are ready to confront our dark side, we open ourselves to relief and liberation. If we continue to deny or repress for too long, uncomfortable ‘eruptions’ occur.
It takes more energy to hang onto or defend the shadows than it does to release them.
Fear that it may be too difficult, unbearable, embarrassing and damaging to our image is the shadow’s way of feeding itself; the same holding pattern that needs to be transformed.
Self-realization occurs when shadows are healed and there is no longer resistance to hearing or listening. Feelings of anxiety, guilt, shame, fear or resentment have been released and become a distant memory. We remember and experience inner calm and peace.
How to Release Shadows
Releasing and healing the shadows can be done in a manageable, respectful and safe way. Begin releasing the shadows by answering internal questions that identify what you are feeling honestly and truthfully.
Write down your feelings, without stopping, and include everything. If you write only the ‘good things’ then you are still in resistance and fearful. These are your own sacred words and they need not be seen by anyone but you. When you are done and feel ready, you can destroy your written work as a symbol of letting go and completion. Honesty and truth allow us to release shadows. By identifying your feelings you acknowledge your whole self.
Keep it simple and brief. Not everything needs to be released at once. Depending on where you are on your journey, it may be safer and wiser to create a manageable ‘release time’ or ‘release meditation’. Validate the fact that you are releasing whatever is in your highest integrity however large or small it may be. Let your emotions be heard, felt and processed.
Give yourself the time and energy to heal. Don’t be alarmed if after having done a great deal of personal healing already you suddenly face another shadow or layer of the same shadow. Healing is a process that is unique to everyone and some layers run deeper than others. Should you discover it is simply too difficult to continue, then it may be time to seek professional help to support you for a short time. You will always know what is in your own highest integrity, and we are all made of light in various shades.
Everything you heal within yourself is experienced by those around you and the world.
Written by Regina Kaiser, based on Veracis Meditation™
