The popular belief is that whatever is hidden within us, the outside world comes and projects that to us. People whom we attract in our life often mirror our own hidden selves.
I have attracted people who are not impeccable or committed. This has made me introspect where am I not being committed – to whom and in which areas?
For example, Paul and I used to be very perturbed and triggered when students would be flaky or not committed to the teachings. During one of the shadow workshops, we sat with this trigger.
If the outside world reflects our own shadow, then what were these incidents representing regarding our own shadow part. Because both of us were rather over impeccable as far as teaching was concerned.
So which shadow part within each one of us was rearing its head? We did some exercises during the workshop while students were working on their own stuff.
The DISOWNED shadow part me in was “detachment” and the disowned shadow part in Paul was “hollow bone.”
Both got the same disowned shadow part. It was very intriguing and fascinating to observe.
Some of you already know how over invested I used to be in the students’ inner work and how attached to it too. Over the years, I have made a conscious attempt to be connected but less attached to students’ journey. I have stopped pushing. I nudge, point out and then retreat, allowing them their space to do what they desire. Detaching from the end result. It has been a huge area of work in progress.
Such is the magnificence of shadow work. Every projection, every contrast is also a teacher.
We cannot heal the shadow or release the shadow. But we work on integrating the shadow through various ways.
• Are you the one who feels you don’t lie but people come and lie to your face?
• Do you always reach on time but people often are late for your meetings or other appointments?
• Are you dedicated in your work but you always attract flaky people?
• Do you always pay your dues on time but others linger while making payments to you?
You may wonder what is this projection because you are not like that. Well, this is where the fun lies. Yes…shadow work is not all horrific or gloomy. During the teachings, we play detective. We go on a treasure hunt and excavate what might be hidden within us that might be attracting certain situations.
The treasure is the gold hidden beneath the shadow. When we understand our shadow and integrate its GIFT, we are no longer at the mercy of being driven by the shadow.
We free up a lot of life force energy to live authentically. This is true freedom.
Come, be free. Join us for a one full day of exploration, excavation and playing the detective “The Shaman & the Shadow.”
Date: Sept 22nd, 2024
Venue: Online on Zoom
Timings: 10 AM to 7 pm IST
For details, reach out to Neelam on 9979901933.
Header Photo by Engin Akyurt.