Many times we try to avoid our “shadow side” rather than embrace our darkness. The book the “Shadow Effect” featuring authors such as Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson, addresses this issue.
Here are some key points from the book:

* “Although ignoring or repressing our dark side is the norm, the sobering truth is that running from the shadow only intensifies its power. Denying it only leads to more pain, suffering, regret, and resignation.”
* “Our shadow keeps us from full self-expression, from speaking our truth, and from living an authentic life. It is only by embracing our duality that we free ourselves of the behaviors that can potentially bring us down. “
* “If left unacknowledged, the shadow will stop us from being whole, prevent us from achieving our best-laid plans, and leave us living half a life.”
* “Embracing the shadow allows us to be whole, to be real, to take back our power, to unleash our passion, and to realize our dreams.”
* “To have a shadow is not to be flawed, but to be complete.”
* “Having faced our own internal demons, we are filled with peace and compassion in the presence of other people’s dark side.”