Shadow Family

This poem is all about turning towards the parts of others that we find difficult to be with and seeing them as parts of our own selves that want us to befriend them. When we love the shadows, we allow more light to come in. We are reflections of one another.

Transcript

Shadow family. The parts of others I reject, Just shadows of myself. I must accept what they reflect, Not blame on someone else. If I can be with what I see, My soul can keep evolving. Acceptance is what sets us free. Denial keeps pain revolving. What irritates? What most frustrates? By what are you most triggered? Befriend it now. Don't close the gate. Resistance makes things bigger. Although perhaps you don't expect with them to be agreeing, The parts of others we reject, Mere shadows of our being.

Reviews

Interesting. Took me a little while to realise this is a poem! Thought provoking. I like the idea of this as a practice, but not sure how to get from where I am to this point. I think it could be a powerful shift. How to balance my own safety and sanity with the triggering behaviour of others, though?

This is spot on. I wouldn’t have like or agreed with the sentiments of this before going to Al-Anon.

Your poetry is very thought provoking! This one especially, would be interesting to have discussions around it, to hear others thoughts! Look forward to hearing more of your most interesting poetry, so new to me!🥰

Love the clear point that whatever we can’t stand about others is really something we can’t stand about ourselves and that is worth looking 👀 at 🙂

Whoa. That gives me a lot to think about. Thank you 🙏