“If a way to the better there be, it lies in taking a full look at the worst.” ~Thomas Hardy
As summer moves away into the autumn/fall, I am reminded of all the life changes happening, both globally and individually. And, what I see in the world is a lot of suffering. Anxiety seems to drive many individual’s lives and make us frightened to think about the cruelties, weaknesses, or dare I say, atrocities of others. In every arena of life, knowing the issues is critical to correcting it or at least preventing further damage.
What are we most afraid of in life? What do we deem “ugly” and repulsive in others and in ourselves? What lies at the center of all that we deem unacceptable? Carl Jung coined the term “shadow” to refer to “the parts of ourselves that we are unable to know.” As a result, we deny negative feelings. Once we become curious and aware of our shadow we can be more fully present, alive and heartfelt. Once the unspeakable is given space to speak, we unleash vast energy and space inside ourselves.
The biggest change is that of human evolution. Can we love this moment? I know that is hard to say in these times. However, I am reminded that flowers too grow out of dark moments. When it is a dark time in life, when there has been suffering, loss, injustices and sorrow, it is good to remember that life is a cycle and in order to bloom and grow we need the dark times, the restful times, the time to go inward and explore our own depths before we can turn our faces to the sun.
It is difficult to appreciate our ability to bloom when we are in the midst of darkness but know that we have it, and that we are able to do it.
