In the last blog we were looking at the notion of ‘The Shadow’ being loose in us and in our world as a whole.In some instances it is easy to identify,though not often acknowledged, we have elements of it all around us, we can see the crooks, tricksters to mention a very few, for they are all around us , and even more evident in times of pressure and the need to survive such as now. Of course there are even deeper dark archetypes in us and in our world of which we are not always conscious and of some we will never be.
An interesting thing about our universe is that there are parallel processes going on in nature, animals for example can be seen to be effected by the global changes, and even more interesting is the many of them that have similar behaviour patterns to us.within the animal kingdom there are the crooks and tricksters, and so often they need to be in order to survive.
Recently I saw some information about meerkats, the little animals who have been used so extensively in television over the last years.They look so classy and yet they operate in gangs and kill off little pups of rival gangs,,so what we see on the surface is not always all of it.We of course accept that wild animals can be dangerous, and perhaps they do not have the reflective ability of humans, could it be however that our irresponsible behaviour in relation to our environment has induced needless pain and suffering due to our destruction of their environments, of course there is evidence of this,, but is it deeper and more insidious than we think?What is clear is that there is a fight for survival in nature and across all species on the earth, some are more capable of adapting than others.
I’m sure by now you are saying get to the point would you?The point is that we need to acknowledge the personal and overall situation in our world which has become more evident and serious since the outbreak of the pandemic,but to do so takes us into areas of which we would rather not be conscious. There is an unhealthy outbreak of ‘denial’ all around, now I’m not downing denial because on balance this defence mechanism has important adapting qualities used in small doses it helps our mental health to recover and has protective entities, but what we have is an outbreak of deep denial accompanied by selfishness and possibly serious mental health issues. I refer to the behaviour of those spreading Covid mindlessly with selfish and irresponsible behaviour.
The’ lockdowns’ have been hard for everyone,at different levels, and in recent days i have come up with an acronym
Listen Be quiet and listen to yourself become aware in the silence what you need to do to change and adapt.
Opportunity Take the opportunity to learn and grow
Compassion Develop consideration empathy and compassion for others
Kin See all mankind as kin.
Denial Balance and use denial in a healthy rational way
Overcome selfish behaviour and feel the freedom this brings
Walk meditate and excercise each day
Nourish Take both physical and mental food each day e.g. a bible verse to consider and think around each day or whatever mantra helps you. Encourage and help others through the many ways we still have of reaching out.
Being aware of the ‘shadow’ which is most certainly on the loose is key to healthy living.At the moment it is like a long black dog behind you and dancing around you seeking to attack being still and containing your fear is crucial.
I love most animals and they seem to gravitate towards me,but the other day a black dog followed close on my heels as I walked down the park I was glad I had boots on as I felt he was after me to nip me, maybe he was down on his luck and wanted to take it out on another creature who knows?I contained myself but he is still in my minds eye. The fear for survival is still outside and inside in this pandemic we are afraid of dying in it aren’t we? Lets be responsible and loving and caring of others and source our strength from God.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD PS 46 AND 10 rest in God!
aoibheann thoughtful reflections 