Do you often see negative qualities in other
people? More often than not, these qualities are actually in us but we just don't or we just choose to ignore it.
We also have positive shadows, that kernel of lively
energy we have in us potentially but do not see.
In psychology, the shadow represents our hidden qualities.
According to Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung, the shadow contains all the parts of ourselves that we
have tried to hide or deny.
These are qualities hidden from ourselves and from others;
everything about ourselves that we do not know our refuse to know.
“It is the sum total of the positive and negative traits,
feelings, beliefs and potentials, we refuse to identify as our own,” says the
Carl Jung Center of the Philippines.
What causes these qualities to hide?
All shadow issues are a form of denial. We choose to avoid
what is unpleasant.
However, to become a truly mature person, one has to embrace
one’s shadow.
People who do not accept criticism get stuck but Jung says
that if you want to move forward, you have to listen and accept the shadows.
Having the courage to uncover the shadow is to come to terms
with one’s self.
Individuals who face their shadows achieve a more genuine
self-acceptance, defuse negative emotions, feel more free of shame and guilt,
recognize the projections that color their opinions of others, heal their
relationships and use the creative imagination to own their rejected selves.
In Zen practice, eating the shadow is the practice of
reclaiming these hidden qualities, realizing they are part of us.
“Zen practice is the practice of doing this – eating the
shadow, sitting and knowing that we ourselves contain the entire world,”
according to Brenda Shoshanna, author of Zen Miracles.
Thus, be one with your shadow. Embrace one's self. And just let go.
