Part of the human experience involves dealing with the shadow. I believe the shadow exists to help us learn important life lessons and grow. The fact that we understand deep unconditional love and compassion stems from our ability to relate to the shadow in others. It gives us the opportunity to let go of judgement and allow pure love to erupt from our soul, even in the hardest and most challenging circumstances.
It is not in denying the presence of our shadow, but in shedding light on the shadow that its self-sabotaging effects begin to disappear. The Shadow Effect was created by 3 best selling authors: Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford and Marianne Williamson. It is a book that helps us recognize our shadow and its impact on our life so that we can move forward in a new light and release the harm it does to us and others.
The fact that this book includes the words of three great spiritual teachers is a blessing. Sometimes when you hear a message it can take on a completely new meaning or understanding depending on your ability to connect with the teacher. Although the shadow is the topic of discussion by all 3 authors, I walked away with different aha moments from each one. If we want to change or correct our harmful behavior, awareness is the first vital step. Often I don’t think we are even conscious of the effects of our shadow. Denial can be a comfortable place to live.
Once we open the door and acknowledge what our wounds are, own them, take responsibility for them and the destructive behavior they may cause, we can then shed light on our shadow. Doing so not only alleviates its effects, but it can in turn be used for a greater good, to spread more love and joy. This also allows us to face what we view as character defects in ourselves and others in the light of compassion.
Throughout The Shadow Effect, Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford and Marianne Williamson shed their own light on the shadow for us to better understand and recognize. Each author offers valuable lessons, that when received on the soul level feel like packages of love. This book illuminates the darker areas of human existence we so often struggle with, and that powerful light has the ability to set you free if you allow it into your life.
A Few Quotes from The Shadow Effect by Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford & Marianne Williamson
p.44 “So consider any negative reaction as though it were like an allergy or the flu, something that changes your situation for the moment only. An allergy is yours, but isn’t you.” ~Deepak Chopra
p.117 “Projection is an involuntary defence mechanism of the ego; instead of acknowledging the qualities in us that we dislike, we project them onto someone else.” ~Deepak Chopra
p. 125 “Ultimately, we must come to a place where we can uncover, own, and embrace every quality that exists, so that we no longer have to project our disowned aspects on others, so we can be free to see people through the wide lens of compassion rather than the illusional lens of projection.” ~Deepak Chopra
p.157 “Consciousness is a dynamic, creative energy.” ~Marianne Williamson
p.161 “We can forget the truth, but the universe never does.” ~Marianne Williamson
p. 168 “But the true seeker says, “What did I do wrong? What was my part in the disaster?” ~Marianne Williamson
p.170 “Your character defects are not where you’re bad, but where you’re wounded. But no matter who or what causes the wound, it’s yours now and you’re responsible for it.” ~Marianne Williamson
p.178 “There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” ~Marianne Williamson
