Extract from the book “The Dark Side of the LIght Chasers” by Debbie Ford, (p. 92)
For the next few days of my 460-day challenge, I am going to select words of wisdom from the 100s of books that I own. I have always been an avid reader and I also love to refer to books at random to receive the wisdom of the words that are present on the page. May you receive these words with the same joy that I discover in finding them.
Most of us long to experience peace of mind. This is a life-long pursuit, a task that calls for nothing less than embracing the totality of our being. discovering the gifts of even our most hated qualities is a creative process that needs only a deep desire to listen and learn, a willingness to release dysfunctional judgements and beliefs, and a readiness to feel better. Your true self makes no judgements. Only our fear-driven egos use judgements to protect us, protection that ironically prevents us from self-realisation. We must be prepared to love all that we have feared. “My grievances hide the light of the world,” says A Course in Miracles.
To go past your ego and its defences you need to get quiet, be brave, and listen to your inner voices. Behind our social masks lurk thousands of faces. Each face has a personality of its own. Each personality has its own unique characteristics. By having internal dialogues with these sub-personalities you will turn your egotistical prejudices and judgements into priceless treasures. When you embrace the messages of each aspect of your shadow, you begin to take the power back you’ve given to others and form a bond of trust with your authentic self. The voices of your embraced qualities, when allowed into your consciousness, will bring you back into balance and harmony with your natural rhythms. They will restore your ability to resolve your own issues and illuminate the purpose of your life. These messages will lead you to discover authentic love and compassion.