Meeting the Shadow

Carl Jung, a well known psychotherapist, once identified a root of most people's problems that block their growth and healing: "refusal to meet the shadow." Indeed, what one does not say is more important than what one does say. To go into deep introspection in psychotherapy, for instance, is not easy. As soon as one realizes that he or she will be required to face hidden fears or struggles and to take responsibility, the temptation is always to drop out. As a result, the sickness remains uncured. Choosing not to be sick, to refuse to believe in lies and illusions, and to stop blaming others are the beginnings of healing and recovery. The "shadow" that had once caused agony may then becomes the same thing that brings wisdom.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way" (Psalm 139: 23-24)