Calliope Center
Workshops & Retreats » Embracing the Shadow
"The only devils in the world are those running around in our hearts. That is where the battle should be fought." ~Mahatma Gandhi
Embracing the Shadow
Early in life, we acquire the idea that we are certain things and we are not others. "I am a thoughtful person; I am not selfish," for example, or "I am a slow learner; I'm not very smart." This thinking comes from the ego and flies in the face of what we know: that we are all one and each of us is a hologram of the whole.
Embracing the shadow is about discovering and reclaiming the parts of ourselves that have been suppressed over the years -- the parts for which we were punished or ignored or criticized, or which have withered from disuse. Why would we want to do that? Because when we disown parts of ourselves, we diminish our capacity for living. If we define ourselves as "this type" of person, we close off all other possibilities. One never knows when such characteristics might be useful or even necessary for our development or survival. When you have access to all of yourself, you are capable of anything!
Shadow work is also important in relationships. Denying parts of ourselves separates us from others (think religion, politics, sexual orientation...) as we categorize them differently from ourselves. It's easier to ignore homeless people if you think you will never be in their position, or to shun the person who had the affair if you think you would never do such a thing. We can dismiss the fundamentalist or the hippie as "extreme" and miss out on some enlightening and interesting ideas, not to mention potential friendships.
"Shadow" implies dark, but dark doesn't necessarily mean "sinister." The shadow is simply the part we have not brought to light in our personality. This workshop, facilitated by Prudence Tippins, is designed to help us see those hidden parts. The arts are extremely helpful in not only discovering our shadow parts, but in seeing them clearly. We'll write, create, move, breathe, play, meditate, and laugh (yes, laugh! a lot!) during our time together. We'll face our fears and open up to new possibilities, simultaneously learning how connected we are with everyone and everything. We'll learn spiritual practices that will help us maintain these attitudes and bring the light to others.
Shadow work is important because when we are able to face what we see as the "other" or the "enemy" in ourselves with honesty and compassion, we will begin to be able to do the same with outside "enemies," eliminating the reaction of violence within and between people. The way to world peace is through inner peace, and reclaiming what's been hidden within is a necessary step.
$95
Suggested Reading:
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankel
A Woman's Worth by Marianne Williamson (not just for women!)