Although it may seem counterintuitive, it’s easier to find your bright white light when celebrating your shadow side.
So what is the Shadow Side?
Our shadow side is the aspect of our personality that we dislike.
How do I Discover My Shadow Side?
It’s pretty simple because you can see it in others quite easily. It’s their behavior that pushes your buttons.
A Dual Example of Shadow Side
I recently attended an in-person three-day Reiki III class with twenty-four participants. Since this was my fourth class, my teacher and I know each other.
When asked if we had anything to share with the course on the second day, I mentioned my difficulty hearing some other participants during their sharing opportunities, elaborating for one to two minutes. Immediately, my fellow hard-of-hearing neighbors thanked me. Soon after, during the lecture portion, the teacher discussed distraction, noting that there were too many words in the world.
As an illustration, he looked at me and said, “I don’t mean to single you out, but when you told your story about your hearing, it would have been better to address the problem directly. For example, you could have said, “Could you speak up? I can’t hear you.”
My eyes widened, and I exclaimed, “But I’m a writer.”
The Shadow Side of Judgment
Although I can’t speak to why the instructor singled me out, I can discuss my reaction to it.
As his words stung my ego, my defense was an immediate retort. But, at that moment, only two people were in the room. And I felt deeply hurt.
Soon, the moment’s reality became focused as I felt the downpour of shame, then a low, simmering anger. In typical fashion, I placed the rage in a box that sat on my shoulder. Instead, I focused on Deb, my partner, during an exercise to expand our energy.
It didn’t take long, and my attention returned to the hurt I felt. As we dispersed to find options for lunch, I looked for someone to validate my anger.
Two women sat chatting across the room. As I approached, they looked up, and we exchanged pleasantries. Then, calmly, I expressed how I felt about being singled out, asking their opinion. Although they were compassionate, they said it was probably best to let it go.
Let it Go
How many times have you heard these words? Did they help you let it go, or did they fuel your anger?
Until recently, for me, they were triggers. Now, I listen differently by distancing myself from the communication interchange. From this viewpoint, I see the compassion in ‘let it go.’ Then I can receive that compassion and start to let go of the hurt.
Parting Thoughts and the Precepts
When the actions of others push your buttons, consider taking a different viewpoint by being an observer. Now you can start celebrating your shadow side and their shadow side with love and compassion. Furthermore, to anchor yourself, consider saying these Reiki Precepts each morning and throughout the day.
For today only,
Do not anger,
Do not worry,
Be true to your way and being,
Be compassionate to yourself and others.
From a place of love and compassion,
Dawn