Note to Self:
One of the best ways I noticed to illuminate my shadow, was to quit editing myself. Quit trying to create speech to please others, or to speak with fear of offending. Of course, when I do this (type of internal editing) I realized I was just having a relationship with myself, and a delusional one at that. Why? because I have no idea what anyone else is thinking or might think about what I might say. So, gradually I started speaking my truth. Seeking to always be kind, compassionate and loving...but not necessarily always "nice". it's a practice that's constant. I also noticed that once I started to notice and get over this fear. More often than not, what I had to say was well received because it was said from place of love an authenticity, and I felt more understood. Sometimes it was surprising.
Trying to be "nice", that's where I usually lost it. To make sure I didn't offend someone. Or didn't upset their world view. Well, if their world view isn't consistent with kindness, compassion and love for all, then maybe that view should be reexamined. Maybe hearing another viewpoint is good for them. Maybe hearing another viewpoint is good for me. So I try to stay committed to speaking my truth, even when it's uncomfortable and hearing someone else's truth too... especially when it's uncomfortable.
Speaking my truth allows me to examine my views fully. To free myself from a prison of self judgment and hiding... and to change ideas I have that might not stand up in the light of examination. Part of the power of the imprisoning ego is to constantly tell me that "I know", I know the right way, or I have the right opinion, or I know what the right course of action is, or I know what politician x, or person x, should have done in a situation. Other people are doing the best they can and making the best decisions they know how, with their circumstances, and the truth is none of us will ever know all of their facts. Truth is, I know very little (and that should always feed a thirst for knowledge and understanding and a willingness to be open to change).
So speak the truth of your heart. It's good for you, relieves stress and opens the doorway to your truest self.
----------------
Here's a great video about coming out of the closet (we all have them) and exposing the shadow, and shining the light of truth into the darkness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSR4xuU07
For sound downloads click here.
Just a personal note: There is nothing new under the sun. I am just attempting to present info. here that has helped me. I hope to present it in a clear way based on my experience with anxiety which was a spiritual, psychological and emotional awakening for me. In retrospect of this experience I have been reading as much as I could to come to a deeper and more grounded understanding of this seemingly mystical thing that happened to me (so that I could share it with you). I'm not a doctor or a scientist. Please know this is only my experience. Yours will obviously be different, but since my experience was so similar to others I've talked to, I am hoping this may be helpful or useful to you in some way. It's also a way that I hope to share the love with you. That is my purpose here.
One of the best ways I noticed to illuminate my shadow, was to quit editing myself. Quit trying to create speech to please others, or to speak with fear of offending. Of course, when I do this (type of internal editing) I realized I was just having a relationship with myself, and a delusional one at that. Why? because I have no idea what anyone else is thinking or might think about what I might say. So, gradually I started speaking my truth. Seeking to always be kind, compassionate and loving...but not necessarily always "nice". it's a practice that's constant. I also noticed that once I started to notice and get over this fear. More often than not, what I had to say was well received because it was said from place of love an authenticity, and I felt more understood. Sometimes it was surprising.
Trying to be "nice", that's where I usually lost it. To make sure I didn't offend someone. Or didn't upset their world view. Well, if their world view isn't consistent with kindness, compassion and love for all, then maybe that view should be reexamined. Maybe hearing another viewpoint is good for them. Maybe hearing another viewpoint is good for me. So I try to stay committed to speaking my truth, even when it's uncomfortable and hearing someone else's truth too... especially when it's uncomfortable.
Speaking my truth allows me to examine my views fully. To free myself from a prison of self judgment and hiding... and to change ideas I have that might not stand up in the light of examination. Part of the power of the imprisoning ego is to constantly tell me that "I know", I know the right way, or I have the right opinion, or I know what the right course of action is, or I know what politician x, or person x, should have done in a situation. Other people are doing the best they can and making the best decisions they know how, with their circumstances, and the truth is none of us will ever know all of their facts. Truth is, I know very little (and that should always feed a thirst for knowledge and understanding and a willingness to be open to change).
So speak the truth of your heart. It's good for you, relieves stress and opens the doorway to your truest self.
----------------
Here's a great video about coming out of the closet (we all have them) and exposing the shadow, and shining the light of truth into the darkness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSR4xuU07
For sound downloads click here.
Just a personal note: There is nothing new under the sun. I am just attempting to present info. here that has helped me. I hope to present it in a clear way based on my experience with anxiety which was a spiritual, psychological and emotional awakening for me. In retrospect of this experience I have been reading as much as I could to come to a deeper and more grounded understanding of this seemingly mystical thing that happened to me (so that I could share it with you). I'm not a doctor or a scientist. Please know this is only my experience. Yours will obviously be different, but since my experience was so similar to others I've talked to, I am hoping this may be helpful or useful to you in some way. It's also a way that I hope to share the love with you. That is my purpose here.