Shadows are elusive, without physical form and impossible to contain. They are as attached to us as our hair or skin. Just as light shines on our physical bodies, creating a shadow, so does the beam of enlightenment shine on our emotional shadows.
We learn from an early age that some emotions are not appropriate - jealousy, anger, pity, greed. Because of the training we receive, most of us shove these emotions under the surface of our awareness, into the "shadow world" of our self. But just like a ball that is held under water, these shadow feelings will pop up into our awareness so they can be acknowledged and processed. If we fail to understand that these emotions cannot stay repressed, however, we will always feel at the mercy of "events" and "others," instead of recognizing that we are trying to heal ourselves.
Shadow emotions hold gifts - they teach us things about ourselves that must be recognized to be whole. For example, greediness can hold the gift of abundance. When greediness takes over your psyche, you assume that there is not enough, so you must take all you can grab. Having experienced greediness, you can then step back and see that the universe is based on abundance principles, not limitation. Therefore, there is no need for greed or hoarding, because there is enough for everyone. Without acknowledging your shadow of greed, you will never discover the gift of abundance.
There are as many shadows as there are people. Your task is to discover your own particular shadows, call them forth, and acknowledge them. Ask to be shown the gifts they bring you, and honor it. The energy that you spent holding that emotion beneath the surface of your consciousness will shift.
And you will be free to be yourself.
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