Welcome in My Shadow

"Shadows are the stories we do not like about ourselves....Everyone around us sees them, but we don't see them ourselves."  Until we welcome in our shadows and acknowledge them we will repress them and project them on to others.  When you notice a trait or a feeling that really bothers you in someone else, take a close look because it could be your shadow.

We despise shadows, we overlook them and explain them away. We are embarrassed by them.  If you think of yourself as a "nice person" you try really hard to repress any mean thoughts or feelings.  I am looking closely at my feelings when conflict arises in me when I am interacting with others and asking myself "Where do I see this in me?"

The Shadow Self

Recently I met with my Spiritual Director and I shared my frustrations about dealing with someone that seemed very arrogant to me.  She suggested that I write the word "arrogance" on a piece of paper and begin a dialogue with it.  The more I carried on a dialogue with the word arrogance the more I discovered the arrogance in me.

Recognizing my shadow self of arrogance I was able to put away my frustrations with the person I felt was being extremely arrogant. You see, in many ways, it was actually my arrogance that was being played out in our conversations.

Digging deeper into my shadow self is helping me to grow in my faith. As I recognize my shadows, I am able to welcome them in and get to know the real me.