(I realize this post is longer than usual, but I sincerely hope that you give it a read and contemplate how, by the end of it, it may have helped you in your own growth.) I mentioned on my website recently that I’ve been introduced to the writings of Carl Jung. The reference on my website was in regard to how Jung considered tarot a method of identifying archetypes that we share in all cultures. However, on further Jung reading, I’ve become acquainted with the “shadow self”

We are born with one intensity of spirit energy. Consider it a great, bright light. Mikao Usui used the metaphor of lampshades to illustrate how we go out into the world and the world begins to cover our true light (true self) with lampshades. As more and more lampshades are placed on us (through shades of judgments, expectations, anger, worries, depression, anxiety, etc…) our true self (our great light) becomes hidden. Our journey then is to begin lifting those lampshades of