SHADOW - to know

Shadow can mean differently to different people. For some a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface. To another giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen. To some even a condition or quality of being sad. For some to follow and observe someone closely and secretly and yet to some a reflection of one’s self.  

We all have our shadow and bone why not then befriend the shadow and bring changes for better. Shadow is one great teacher it works to challenge the whole ego- personality of an individual. To become conscious of the shadow much working on with one’s moral effort is required. The wise said if you don’t have any shadow you are not in the light.   

A shadow self, is generally made up of the parts of ourselves we deem unacceptable. For many people this means things like our sadness, rage, laziness, and cruelty. For ordinary minds it is easy to love light but you need to work on your darkness which some hide others reveal. Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow. Every single action brings accountability to a soulful being, which is why the understanding; one casts a shadow on something wherever one stands.

One can take pride if you are clever but do not lose your shadow for every one may leave you but your shadow will be with you always, whispering secrets that the light fails to reveal. One of the best ways to identify your shadow is to pay attention to your emotional reactions towards others. Your colleagues might be aggressive, arrogant, inconsiderate, or impatient, but if you don't have those same qualities within you, you won't have a strong reaction to their behaviour. Confronting the shadow means to stop blaming others and also don't live in the shadows of people's judgement; make your own choices in the light of your own wisdom.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”. Embracing shadow opens up the possibility to be curious and committed to understand and conduct body, mind and soul well. For example one does not become enlightened alone by imaging figures of light but also by making the darkness conscious. Shadow love is great way to show that you care. In the shadow of love, we find solace and pains intertwined casting a shadow over our heart, leaving us forever changed associating ourselves with the creator and being in HIS shadow.

Gurbani says “bhandaar darab arab kharab paykh leelaa man sa Dhaarai”…. “You gaze upon billions and trillions of treasures and riches, which delight and comfort your mind, but these will not go along with you. Entangled with children, spouse, siblings and friends, you are enticed and fooled; these pass like the shadow of a tree. Nanak seeks the Sanctuary of His lotus feet; He has found peace in the faith of the Saints. SGGS Ang901

A verse from Angel Marie Russell’s poem “Do not fear your shadow; Show it what it is to dance with a being of light— that being is you.