“What if I should discover that the poorest of the beggars and the most impudent of offenders are all within me; and that I stand in need of the alms of my own kindness, that I, myself, am the enemy who must be loved — what then?”
― C.G. Jung
A strange thing about actively seeking one’s own shadow self is how difficult it becomes to criticize others. I see in myself the cynical jaded parts, the sarcastic parts, the parts that may wish another ill or wish to take advantage of others. I seldom, if ever, act on these impulses but still I know they’re there. I also have a painful awareness of the criticism I have cast upon others for this very trait. At times I catch myself becoming critical of someone else’s unkindness. I have the temptation to be derisive until I sense the echo of myself and realize that the unkindness is something that has come up for me too. Oops.
As I said I catch myself. I cannot deny the negative parts of myself because all too often denial is the nourishment that the shadow thrives on. Still if I come down too hard on myself it is no good either. How can I learn compassion for others if I have not yet learned compassion for myself? So I step back and observe the process. I practice kindness, if not gentleness on myself..acknowledging even the rough parts that will one day shine.
Blessings, G
I like this. I sometimes think or wonder rather, if negativity is a bit like pain. When our body has a pain somewhere it is our body’s own way of telling us that; something is not right, an area needs attention…I think that usually when we have a negative coming out of us, that yes, perhaps our dark and deep Self or mind has something that we have been neglecting…just my thoughts. Thanks for the inspirations!
Origami Mandala by G A Rosenberg
Intertwined by G A Rosenberg
I like this. I sometimes think or wonder rather, if negativity is a bit like pain. When our body has a pain somewhere it is our body’s own way of telling us that; something is not right, an area needs attention…I think that usually when we have a negative coming out of us, that yes, perhaps our dark and deep Self or mind has something that we have been neglecting…just my thoughts. Thanks for the inspirations!
Thank you for the amazingly thoughtful responses.
I really enjoy reading what you write and share! thank you!
Got a pdf of Jung’s Red Book recently. Amazing illustrations in there, didn’t realise that.
Yes, those illustrations work in the best sigilic way to inspire beyond the level of consciousness for sure.