Saturday, June 27, 2009

MICHAEL JACKSON'S SHADOW SELF


Michael Jackson's death can teach us something to help and heal. What can we learn from the seeming excesses, addictions and sadness of a life of gifted potential ending in misery - not unlike Elvis Presley?

What does Jackson represent in each one of us? How does his grotesque saga of trying to escape his essential looks (and self?) with plastic surgery and skin lightening reflect in me and you?

His addictions – including overspending – are legendary. Only a month ago in May 2009 his former lawyer Raymone Bain went public to sue Jackson for millions, revealing how he splurged recklessly on statues of Peter and Pan and kids while laden with debt.

According to papers filed at the District Court for the US District of Columbia, the Thriller hit-maker filled his Neverland ranch with life-size bronze statues of kids playing on slides or dancing while holding hands.

His death reminds me to look within at my own addictions with money, food etc.– in fact the “shadow self” for which addictions are merely a symptom.

Debbie Ford in her book: "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers" explains how, consciously or unconsciously, we hide and deny our “dark” sides, rejecting these aspects of our true natures rather than giving ourselves the freedom – and gift – to live authentic lives with all parts of us, dark and light, integrated into a more powerful truthful persona.

When we recognize and reconcile with our rejected parts we find they have rich treasures and gifts to reveal to us. For instance perhaps the Lazy Lout part of you is just thirsting for the Workaholic Warrior you present to the world – to take a much needed break. Perhaps Selfish Susan – the person in your family or group of friends you most judge as despicable because she seems to neglect her kids or family in favor of her passions – is actually reflecting the part of you that needs time out to replenish the dry well within.

STOP SELF-JUDGING
So stop judging yourself…reclaim all parts of you for new wholeness and freedom.

Although he was talented and black, Michael Jackson ended up fake “white” and addicted to spending and possibly pain killers – but no spending sprees, drugs or medical face-lifts could ever fulfill the deep hole in him.

FIND THE GIFT IN YOUR PAIN
I am going deeper inside to find the disowned parts of me – trusting that each aspect I hate or deny in me can lead to my ruin – or hold a gift of golden wisdom and insight that, once owned, can integrate and propel me forward in happiness, love and true wealth.

What you resist persists.

Or as Neal Donald Walsh says in Conversations with God – If you don’t go within, you go without.

RIP MICHAEL
Michael may you rest in peace - and teach us by your split "black-white" phobia to integrate - not segregate - our own selves.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

You Can Break-Free Fast

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