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of the Month, September 2012 Shadow Gray Storm: A Matter of Perspective As we saw in the last post, the fable of Shadow Gray Storm highlights the journey of a young woman, Nikita, from feelings of blame and resentment to a clearer awareness of the dynamics of what has happened in her life. Using this awareness, she lets go of resentments to take action to help her move forward. What about the other character in the fable? What actually is the mother's role here? Whether or not the mother has acted in ways that meet Nikita's needs, it is clear from the fable that Nikita's mom really cares. The daughter doesn't appreciate or need it, but she knows her mom is anxiously waiting up till she returns home. As well, she knows her mom's soup, lovingly prepared, waits for her when she comes in from the cold night. So from the mom's side, she really loves and cares about her daughter, and she probably would describe herself as a truly caring parent. (The fable does acknowledge that there has been a history of conflict with her daughter.) Viewing this fable from the mom's perspective really resonates with me. I think of my own mom. Iremember the conflicts, sometimes unexpressed because my mom didn’t like to argue. But looking back I reflect how in many ways she took actions to support me in the best way she knew how, and it would understate her love to say that she really wanted things to work out for me. My mom isn't physically around anymore. I miss her. I always at bottom appreciated her efforts and love, and I am really glad I got to say so. I generally hate it when people talk about the importance of seeing things from other people's perspectives. It often feels like that takes away from your own side and doesn't let you assert yourself enough. But one thing I have learned from the fable of Shadow Gray Storm is, sometimes, seeing perspective from the other side really can, as they say, set you free. Reference site http://www.torihartman.com/shop/pc/Color-Wisdom-Card-Shoppe-c95.htm Want to comment? Tells us what you think at http://colorreadingprofessor.com/contact.html
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of the Month, September 2012 Shadow Gray Storm: Authenticity The fable of Shadow Gray Storm starts in pretty dark fashion: a young woman, Nikita, out late at night, is thinking about all the negative things she perceives her mother has done to her. Finding her path blocked by a large gray shadow, she loses her direction only to find herself in a graveyard surrounded by tombstones. In the cemetery, the shadow/spirit reappears and begins parroting back the words of blame Nikita has been spewing at her mother along with the more general negativity and resentment she is experiencing. She can't get away from those dark thoughts. Her mom hasn't treated her right. Her life isn't going the way she wants. Nothing is working out. The shadow mirrors back to her the incredible blame she is feeling toward people and situations. Nikita tries everything she knows but can't get away from the images and sounds. Finally, she just gets it. The answers just come. She is confronted with her truth and the need to take responsibility to move forward. And this time she hears it. There are other interpretations of what has happened here, but for me what stands out is the honesty and authenticity of Nikita’s responses. She gets to the point of seeing what is real and true for her, she acknowledges her circumstances and in her case has the courage to take actions necessary to move forward in ways to make her life better. This isn't about preaching. Don’t go out of your way to suffer to confront your shadow. Don't look for bad things in your life when you don't have to. But on the other hand, on a daily basis, in little ways as well as big ones, it's empowering to get quiet and to acknowledge with yourself what’s really going on, ultimately taking responsibility for the choices you are making. This isn't meant to be a sermon. I don't mean this in a preachy or self righteous way. It's just that taking responsibility and getting clear on what you really want and then acting on choices that move in the direction you want to go can really make a difference. Focus on the things you want and empower yourself as you are clear and confident in your most authentic self. Reference site http://www.torihartman.com/shop/pc/Color-Wisdom-Card-Shoppe-c95.htm Want to comment? Tells us what you think at http://colorreadingprofessor.com/contact.html |
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