The Shadow Rooms of the Self

The spaces we avoid. That is the shadow self. This the space where archetypes hide and are stored upon a shelf. Memories locked behind closet doors, like a doll named Chuckie. We get to know our shadow selves, those of us are lucky.

To know this room, inside of you, is to have a privilege. It is an honor to know thyself to total one's shortcomings. When we embrace the things we hide, we often find our brilliance.

Our shadow side are things unnamed and often things untamed. Texture. Pressure. Yearning. Primordial. Pre-verbal. These things felt are the regions of your inner world that are unexplored. These are the places, in our life that are often felt before they are heard.

These unnamed narratives lie in wait and unconsciously manipulate. We choose our jobs, our cars and girls based on these old tapes playing. Why do I always do this? Why does this always happen? As we begin to name the things that bring murder to our soul, we begin to tame the beast and release the hold.

Learning to identify our shame, our pain--by name. Unlock the secrets which keep us sick and die to try and hide. An abandoned orphan, never chosen. The left behind, widower, who never cried. Then there is the strange sojourner who left--and neve--found his haven. Will a child know himself if he grows up alone? When a bear shits in the woods, does it make more berries? Does a house, with window bars, ever feel like a home? Are dreams the things of richer men or are dreams found in stardust--for everyone?

Non-conformity requires fortitude. To know thy shadow is an uncommon trek. Getting to know myself, helps me love you more. And when my love is giving out, I go to God for help. As we embrace the cactus, with every prickle stick we get to know our shadow and begin to integrate.

This path is not light footed, but for those who walk in depth. This path requires commitment and the will of the Ox. Your will must be unbreakable to really bear the cost. But when you align your will, with Christ--the burden is easy and the load becomes light.

This path is not short sighted, but for those who see beyond. Viewing life from an Eagle's eye makes men sharp, makes women wise. Harness and avoid extremes, limit indulgences. Like the Eagle, you ascend with balance. Eliminate your small beliefs through disciplined spiritual practice.

Finally, on the untamed path, the Lion is worth the mention. When we set our will beside, aligning with intention, the courage of the lion roars with the purpose of self-refinement. Like the Lion, pouncing forth, ignited by a leap of faith unto a personal Renaissance.

The Ox, the Eagle and the Lion represent all that is raw with us. Wild and unrefined instincts are the impulses ‘drive.’ Animals are symbols of a human's lower nature. But these beasts should not be caged. Nor should dragons ever be slayed. Lest you put to death your passion to create. Get to know your shadow, you can even serve it tea. But don't start giving the donkey rose buds. Don't put pearls on swine. But, the animal self, in humanity has a silver lining. It is the part of us that always knows how to find--the way home.

Something we must grapple with is our lower self, but the parts of us that go untamed are more worthy than the shelf. Open doors to rooms unknown and corridors, untrod. It is in the seeking, of the truth, that you find the words of God.