Me and My Shadow

by ~ Anita J. Skocz  

A Repost due to having the dream again last week.

Last week I had a dream that was very brief, but very powerful to me.  In this nighttime adventure a much younger me, dressed in a very plain night gown, sat dazed at the edge of the bed.   After rubbing my eyes to clear them from a nights sleep, I was stunned to see a mirror image of myself just feet away.  This vision had an alluring smile, and I eagerly jumped out of bed to greet this carbon copy.  With the wonderment of a child, I rushed to her side, and placed my hands on the familiar face.  Feeling the firmness, I spoke. “You are real!”

As I stared at this unexpected likeness in awe, it revealed itself to me. “I am your shadow self.”   I kept gazing, as I found no physical differences, and found some delight in meeting this twin.  With an enthusiastic acceptance, I grabbed my shadows hand saying, “Let’s go surprise mom!”   We rushed to her bedroom, and  found her sitting on her bed with a welcoming look.  Before I could speak, she said, “I see you brought your shadow self.”

I was shocked she knew this part of me, but her facial expression did not change.  Then, with a calm movement of her arm, she slowly handed me a small baseball bat, and had one in her other hand as well.  I did not understand until I turned around.  To my surprise the “dark aspect” of me took on the shape of a snake with a dragon’s head.  My mother’s eyes filled with glowing light, and she directed me to assist her by gently tapping the head of the dragon with the bat.  With her eyes still aglow, we used our bats like magic wands, and the fierce dragon crumbled into little pieces. (End Dream)

For many years I have been working on bringing my “dark aspects” into my awareness, and accepting their presence.  It is hard to admit they are a part of me, but I understand that we ALL have aspects of darkness and light.  I believe shedding light on the ego’s cohorts, helps to break the hold they have on us.   By daily reflection and the use of the “shadow patrol,” mindfulness, I can see when the ego tries to trick me into playing its’ cards of hatred, fear, judgment, control and anger.  The vigilance of this daily patrol helps to strengthen my ability to respond to life’s experiences with a healthier group, my soul’s allies: understanding, compassion, peace, truth, forgiveness, joy and love. 

With persistence and diligence I work everyday to free myself from marching to the ego’s drum.  This daily practice allows my thoughts, words and actions to be guided more by the soul’s promptings.  The dream spoke to the friendly face the shadow wears to access our being, and it also revealed that those close to us know our shadow side.  So, rather than suppress this murky aspect, we should allow this part of our human nature to express.  By fearlessly looking into the face of darkness, we can with our light, gently release the power it holds in us.

My mother passed a year and a half ago, and I believe that the dream was a message from her.  She recognizes my quest to live in the light of truth, and she is letting me know that she is there to assist me on my journey.  I know as I walk my path, it is imperative to listen to my inner voice, and take direction from my soul.  My mother, when needed, will help me to spot and release my dragons.

My light will get brighter each time I break up an old pattern or habit. It is my goal to be able to “act” more and more from my soul’s guidance, and to “react” less and less from impulses left from old experiences.   As I understand it, we are in the middle of times of great change.  Being able to clearly hear the guidance of our soul would be of great benefit during the coming years.  Choose to learn about and integrate all of what makes you the unique being that you are.  We and our shadows…are all one!