THE SHADOW - PART 2

MY SHADOW THINKING 

In the last lesson entitled THE SHADOW (click here) we explored the reality concerning our dark side known as the shadow and our other side know as light. The foundation of recovery thinking is in the truth that shadow can never shut out light, but light always overpowers shadow.

The first question we want to explore in our shadow/light understanding is:

WHY AM I HIDING THIS BAD THOUGHT, IMPULSE OR ACTION?

We all have thoughts that we keep from others attentions because exposing the thought might lead to negative reactions. We smile at someone but the thought is “I cant stand you, I hate you.” Or we may have an action or impulse, which is destructive, yet we do it anyhow and wonder why. “A little drugs won’t hurt. I can flirt a little; it wont hurt anything. I can get away with cheating on this test. Who will know.”

These are shadow thoughts that love to remain in the darkness of our thinking. What do we do to offset them? Generally nothing, which is why we get into problems so unexpectedly. To change the shadow, we need to expose it to light. But I can’t expose the shadow to light unless I admit it is there.

Shadow = I can’t stand you, I hate you.”

Light = Well that is a rather strong statement. Do I really hate this person or do I just not like what they are doing. If I hate them, then am I really any better than they are or am I just lowering myself to their level. I don’t really hate them, but I do hate what they did so either I confront what they did, or I let it go. If they repeat the action, then I will separate myself from them as they are not something I want in my journey. I can hate them if I want, but I really would rather be at peace within myself and not feel this hatred.

We generally hide the shadow side from light because we think the shadow side is right and we deserve to be there or we know the shadow side is wrong and are ashamed to admit it exists. Shadow is neither right or wrong, it is just shadow. Embrace it for what it is and then turn on a light and see how long it lasts. We will explore shadow and shame next time.

Have questions, or thought?  Send us an email at NYCCC1@aol.com or go to our website at www.NYCCC.ORG.

CONTINUE WITH SHADOW STUDY CLICK HERE FOR PART 3
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