So begins an exploration of Shadow as described in Stutz and Michels book, The Tools:
Close your eyes. Picture the characteristics of your being that you don’t like – the parts you are ashamed of – your second self. Create an image that represents this second self.
Hold it in your mind, give it a face and body, and then in your imagination, push it out in front of you. Feel a living presence.
According to Stutz and Michels, the image/presence hovering in front of you will be your Shadow!
Once this image is clear to you, ignore everything else and focus all of your attention on the image (which is your Shadow).
Develop an unbreakable bond with Shadow. (?)
United with the shadow, Stutz and Michels claim you will feel an inner authority.
I’ve experimented with this method a couple of times. I must say it is unusual to embrace and bond with characteristics I have deemed to be inferior; to showcase and join with what I usually hide/hate required courage. After my second try at this, much to my surprise, I experienced a feeling of wholeness and strength that lasted a nanosecond.
The authors think when bonded to the shadow, we speak a “language of the heart.” In my words, this means that the more we know all parts of ourselves, the more compassionate we can be.
The book is full of ancient spiritual wisdom presented in today’s secular language.
Please let me know if you do the exercise or if you have questions.
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall