“To discuss making friends with your shadow is one thing; to do it is quite something else.
Imagine drawing your mouth together and gathering a pool of saliva. Now gently spit that pool of saliva into a drinking glass. Then do it again, and continue to do it until you have accumulated, say, half an inch of your saliva in the glass.
Now look at it, study it, contemplate it–and then drink it.
Most of us have the same type of reaction to our shadow–the very thought of this is repulsive. It is truly my own; it is a part of me. But drink my saliva! Make friends with my shadow! Yech! Get rid of it!”*
As we learn more about the Shadow, I hope you are becoming more open to making friends with it. The thesis of Miller’s book is not to rid ourselves of the shadow but instead, accept it and take its existence into account; learn its qualities and intentions; realize that in its ambiguity and paradox it is to be “suffered” and used constructively.
Let us know in the comment section of exploring the mystery what you have learned about your shadow.
*Make Friends With Your Shadow: How to Accept and Use Positively the Negative Side of Your Personality (1981) William A. Miller.
6 comments
Having some trouble identifying with Mr. Miller's thoughts. I "drink" my saliva all the time, of course, every time I swallow. No big deal. If I have a shadow and it is part of me, how can it be negative? There is nothing good nor bad that thinking makes it so, including the yin and yang of my being. Blessings, Nicki. And, thanks for posting articles that make me think.
Good morning, Nicky! Hmmm, to compare our shadow side to saliva means we keep it inside by swallowing and then it gets reused and probably not eliminated. (If I have the physiology correct.) That works for internal shadows, too!
Oh Becky – Your forthrightness is refreshing! I'm glad Miller's words helped you get clear about your goodness and encouraged you to think! I'd love to hear more about the yin and yang of being. Fascinating!
Thanks for your comment.
Nicky
fluteyogi – I think you are absolutely correct! Shadows (external or internal) need to keep moving. It's when they become a "stuck-never-changing-part" that the problems start. Brilliant!
Thanks for remaining a faithful reader!
Nicky
Sometimes I have problems relaxing but for the most part I feel the need to take a break for myself!
Thanks Nyla – glad you are able to give yourself permission to take a break!
Nicky
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