In the process of surrender what I give up is fear and struggle. A kind of strength comes from truly giving up. Something changes when I genuinely let go and ask for help.

As we deepen our sense of ease with ourselves, the fundamental wounding to our self-identity will soften. This softening leads to a greater inner space that can more naturally respond to others. While we are caught in our wounded self-preoccupations, we have no space for others. An inner atmosphere of compassion and acceptance slowly softens the rigidity of our wounding. As we become less self-preoccupied we begin to find a capacity to respond to others, and we may discover that we are able to be present, compassionate, and caring without judging. Our compassion grows as we allow others to be who they are with their faults and struggles, their unique qualities and gifts.

Self in the Shadows

Making Sense

We solidify our projected reality and endlessly create a world of confusion, struggle, and limitation. Perhaps the most common experience of this occurs when we exaggerate and fantasize the qualities of something. It leads to disappointment and frustration when the object is unattainable, and disillusionment when its actual nature shows through the veneer of our fantasy.

Power is often scorned as something to be avoided in spiritual circles, yet secretly it may be wished for. ...when we ignore or deny personal power because we are afraid, it is driven into the Shadow. Once split off from conscious acknowledgement, power is then even more destructive and abusive. Owning our power is truly acknowledging and being responsible for our capacity to be effective.