The Shadow Effect

By Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford and Marianne Williamson

Harper Collins ($45.00)

Mind/body pioneer Deepak Chopra has written more than 55 books, international spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson has published 10 books and Debbie Ford is a pioneer in incorporating the study and integration of the concept of the human shadow into psychological and spiritual practices.

All three teachers profess that although we have been conditioned to fear our shadow sides, it is this place we need to explore to unlock our strengths, our happiness and abilities to live out our dreams.

Carl Jung called the shadow side a ‘sparring partner’ – the opponent within that exposes our flaws, and Chopra outlines how to weaken the ego’s hold and move beyond idealised self images.

 
The Shadow Effect test is at the end of the book, but maybe this should be completed before reading the words of wisdom on the subject.  It gives you an indication of whether your shadow side is paralysing you, whether it is lurking in the background taking a lot of energy to control or whether you are free (for now) from many of the internal beliefs that give rise to destructive behaviours.

Debbie Ford points out that the mechanism that drives you to conceal your darkness is the same mechanism that has you hide your light, and what you’re hiding from can actually give you what you’ve been trying hard to achieve.

Marianne Williamson takes a more spiritual approach to empowerment and discusses the concept of ‘collective shadows’.

These three world-renowned teachers combine their experiences and expertise to show you how to have more love, more peace and more satisfaction in your life.

Reviewed by Lezly Herbert

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