"Occupy yourself": understanding one's shadow

Dylan Ratigan wrote a thought-provoking piece about understanding and owning one's dark side. Here is an excerpt:

We have been conditioned to fear the shadow side of life and the shadow side of ourselves. When we catch ourselves thinking a dark thought or acting out in a behavior that we feel is unacceptable, we run, just like a groundhog, back into our hole and hide, hoping, praying, it will disappear before we venture out again. Why do we do this? Because we are afraid that no matter how hard we try, we will never be able to escape from this part of ourselves. And 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. the shadow will charge, and instead of us being able to have control over it, the shadow winds up having control over us, triggering the shadow effect.

In other words, if we resolve to Occupy Ourselves -- to acknowledge all of ourselves -- especially our darkest aspects -- only then can we stop the fear that is running ourselves and our society.

We talked about this topic in my men's meditation group last night, and I am more willing to notice and take responsibility for my shadow characteristics, including a tendency to be moralistic, self-righteous, and resentful. This is interesting self-work...