I had the pleasure of listening to my mentor Debbie Ford on www.hayhouseradio.com/. Of course, she was talking about the subject that has given her so much success; Shadow work. Our shadow, as I too have discussed, are those qualities or traits that we possess, but would rather not. Those nasty bits that we push to the way back of our mind and then deny. These are the shame spreaders – the snob, the bitch, the bully, the know-it-all, the martyr, and so many more.

Basically, we as humans have the ability to possess all these traits and their polar opposites. As adults we’ve been exposed to most of them, and have made a judgment on them one way or another. Do we allow them to influence who we want the world to see, or do we deny that part of our self? If we shove snob in the shadow bag, then we own humble as our character, if we put bitch in the shadow bag than we own nice (some people shove nice in the bag and keep bitch).

I hate to tell you folks, but as Debbie says; “God didn’t give you any spare parts.” There’s no use denying our shadow. Worse, it’s counter productive because every quality brings a gift to you in some way. If you are remodeling your house, and you are behind schedule, over budget and the workers arrive late, take long lunches and leave early, don’t you see how “bitch” could be a blessing? If you’ve got someone pulling for your attention, but they are a distraction to your plans and goal to go off, and to do things or pay them attention at this time would be a huge mistake - don’t you see how “snob” could be your savior? Not only this, but when we continue to deny our shadow, those qualities will not sleep forever or ever go away. They will raise their ugly head when you least expect it, and you'll know the Mr. Hyde within you.

If you’re thinking “oh, I don’t have any denied shadows”, then think again. "The only time you don’t have a shadow, is when you are standing in the darkness." (R. Bly) Everyone has a shadow, but it’s not just dark characteristics there. As I said, 'nice' could be part of your 'light' shadow.

I could write a book on the shadow and what it all means. In fact Debbie Ford has written several excellent books on the subject (available at my website).

When the famous Psychologist, Carl Jung first coined the term the shadow, in psychological circles, he said; “Would you rather be good or would you rather be whole”. He himself, of course, chose whole.

"My God, when you see your beauty, you’ll be the idol of yourself." (Rumi)

Love and Bright blessings ~ Richard