I started a discussion about the shadow last month. I'll bet you were hoping it was over (because it's not such good news). Well, there's more to it, so here I am again (at least it's better news this time).
 
As a reminder, the shadow was defined as all of those "human" things (feelings, memories, behaviors, etc.) that are unacceptable to our self-image. Mostly we think of it as being the darker side of our psyche. And while the shadow does contain negative aspects that we don't want to or don't know how to deal with, I'm here to tell you that it is also home to brighter aspects as well.
 
When you are able to bring the brighter parts of you out of the shadow, you're letting your inner light shine! That alone makes the world a better place.

 

Positive Aspects
I believe we were all born whole and complete, magnificent beings of pure possibility. We begin life with a shining spirit essence, the light of God within. Your version of that light, the expression of those possibilities, and your purpose in life all depend on your soul's blueprint. It's your job to discover what those are and bring them to life.
 
Programming
In the process of growing from child to adult, it's common to experience a dimming of our essence from time to time. Socialization, cultural norms, family patterns, and life experience can change us in ways that cause us to hide our true nature. In order to conform, fit in, avoid being reprimanded, or survive any difficulties we may have faced in our childhood, we lock away our love, inner beauty, hopes and dreams. We begin to forget who we really are.
 
If your youthful exuberance was too much for mom to handle, for example, you may have dimmed the light inside of you in order to stay in her good graces. If dad wouldn't let you gain his approval or experience winning with him, you may have assumed that who you are isn't good enough and any greatness you had known of yourself may have tiptoed into the recesses of your shadow. It's not just mom and dad -- any person or experience that hurts can be light-dimming.
 
Projection
We humans tend to resist our greatness more than we resist our darkness! Most of us are afraid of our power; it's much easier to hide out. It's there nonetheless, and it hangs on, waiting to be discovered. Meanwhile, just as we project our darkness onto others, we also project our light. We see it "over there," not within.
 
One example of this is when younger women are attracted to older men. Typically, they're drawn to a power that they have not yet tapped within themselves. So, they find someone through whom they can experience it vicariously. Ideally, in time they will use their experience to grow into their own power and stop using others to hold it for them.
 
Another example is a current day "epidemic": celebrity idolization. The more we ignore our own greatness, the deeper our awe for those we've put on a pedestal. Hero worship is simply a shadow projection. 

One way to locate your "lost treasure" is to look at those people and characteristics you revere, idolize, or envy. These can be clues to the greatness inside that you don't yet own as yours. Use your projections to help you grow!
 
When we fall in love, it is because we see our brilliance embodied in another. What do you love about your lover? What aspects about him/her do you respect or hold dear? Consider that you are attracted to those aspects in them that you haven't developed. Whatever you can identify in someone else, you have within. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to see it.
 
If you're feeling brave, poll your community. Ask friends and family: what greatness do they see in you? First, try to take it in, then, take it on!
 
Are you experiencing resistance to this conversation? Or are you feeling relieved to be given permission to grow? I encourage you to begin today to honor your beauty, strengths, uniqueness and value. I encourage you to allow yourself to "Shine for the Divine!" Regaining our true identity is a major part of our life purpose. We must know how we really are in order to fulfill our destinies!