Exploring Our Shadows Through this Election
It is impossible to ignore the divide between us. It's not just about politics or policy, but something deeper—our collective "shadow" is showing up in powerful, sometimes painful ways. This shadow represents the parts of ourselves we deny or repress. It’s the anger, the judgment, the fear we don’t want to face but are quick to project onto others.
The "shadow" isn’t just an individual concept; it’s a collective one too. We see it playing out in our communities, our newsfeeds, and our dialogues—or lack thereof. Every criticism, every jab, every “us versus them” moment feeds this shadow and makes it grow, furthering the divide.
But here’s the truth: the shadow has lessons for us. Instead of ignoring or fighting it, what if we could face it with courage and compassion? When we bring our shadows to the light, we see more clearly, we understand more deeply, and we find empathy, even for those we disagree with.
Imagine if, during this election season and each one after, we approached each other with a commitment to self-reflection and a willingness to see beyond our anger or fear.
It’s not easy.
It’s messy.
But it might just be the healing we all need.
Let’s remember that we can’t expect unity if we’re unwilling to do the work—both within ourselves and with each other. The world we want starts within us.
To that end, here is a poem that has been bubbling up inside me as I began to feel myself getting sucked into the "I hate you" vortex around Nov 1st:
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~k eila
Give me 1 hour/month & get 10+ ideal B2B prospects on your calendar who see you as the obvious choice | Fractional CMO for $1M to $10M consulting firms.
2 个月What a powerful perspective on looking beyond surface-level divisions!? It reminds me of something I've noticed in business - our greatest growth often comes when we lean into understanding rather than judgment. The idea that healing starts within before it can manifest outward is so profound. When we embrace both light and shadow, we create space for real transformation. Thank you for this gentle reminder that connection trumps conflict. :)
I study Life, so I can live it properly!
3 个月Karen Nowicki, thanks for sharing. You just reminded me of a line from Hamlet. " This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." Love can conquer all, in my experience we must first learn to love, appreciate and be comfortable in our own skin then, accepting others with different view points becomes fruitful.
Body/Mind Resilience Innovator, Conscious Leadership & Culture Consultant, Speaker
3 个月Karen Nowicki, thanks for bringing the collective shadow topic into the light for conversation. Addressing the shadow and acknowledging fear may be uncomfortable and messy, but it's more than worth the result of greater inner peace, understanding, acceptance, and harmony with each other.