As human beings, we all experience both light and dark. They coexist and compliment one another. You can’t have one without the other.
When we’re feeling especially radiant and connected to our light, we must remember the shadows as well so that we may have genuine compassion for those living in and wrestling with that place.
“Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” — Pema Chödrön
And when we are the ones feeling surrounded by or altogether lost in darkness, we must remember that the darkness only exists in contrast to the light. That the light is always there. Perhaps it is clouded over, but clouds pass. The light remains steady and constant.
“You are the sky. Everything else — it’s just the weather.” Pema Chödrön
I believe a joyful, full, enlightened life is not defined by the absence of darkness, but rather one in which our container is big enough to hold it all. One in which we are awakened so that we may see and observe clearly and with accurate perspective. Our goal then is not to drive out or rid ourselves of darkness, but rather to open to it, get to know it well, so well that we can navigate through it and not feel overwhelmed by it. When we remember our experience of darkness is a cloud passing over our natural light, we can choose to sit with what is, knowing it is temporary, knowing that just behind this cloud is your ever-shining, radiant light.
Daring to uncover space and stay with ourselves takes courage, but we do it because we know that tucking something into the shadows doesn’t actually make it disappear. Seeing and staying with your own darkness can feel like the hardest thing in the world, but when we practice doing exactly that it gradually becomes less terrifying and less overwhelming. There is less suffering and more peace.
“The Guest House”
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.— Rumi
Krystal Barschig 