We each have a dark (less than flattering) side that negatively influences our personalities and behavior. This dark side goes by many names, all of which are related to the ego. Carl Jung referred to the dark side of the ego as “The Shadow” and he advised us to tame the ego, not run from it or avoid it. His expression was to “embrace the shadow.” Embracing the shadow means to recognize our prejudices, our insecurities and our imperfections and work to resolve them. Only by doing this, he said, can we come to terms with our dark side and shed some light on it, thus evolving our consciousness and the soul growth process. While some people avoid their dark side (denial) others exploit it, as reflected in the commonly heard phrase by bosses: “I don’t have stress, I give stress (to people).” Embracing the shadow is a metaphor for moving from a motivation of fear toward a motivation of love and compassion. Shedding some light on the ego is but one way to “domesticate the ego” and finding the essential balance of inner peace in one’s life. In doing so, the beast sheds its ugly face and reveals the true beauty of the soul.
• Stress Tip For The Day
When describing ways to domesticate the ego, I usually come up short, that is, until I came across this passage written by Sam Levenson, and used by actor, Audrey Hepurn. It was read at her memorial service by her son Sean, and has since become known as:
Audrey Hepburn’s Beauty Tips
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.”
— Sam Levenson
• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Below are a few links to the words and works of Carl Jung on the topic of the Shadow:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Carl-Jung-and-the-Shadow-An-Introduction
http://psikoloji.fisek.com.tr/jung/shadow.htm
• Quote for the Day:
“When we must deal with problems, we instinctively resist trying the way that leads through obscurity and darkness. We wish to hear only of unequivocal results, and completely forget that these results can only be brought about when we have ventured into and emerged again from the darkness. But to penetrate the darkness we must summon all the powers of enlightenment that consciousness can offer.” —Carl G. Jung
Photo of the Day:
A sunset moment on the island of Captiva, Florida. Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
