We're told we're hiding in the shadow of others if we don't "achieve" as much as we could.
Also shadows are said to be where bad people lurk!
But shadows are the essence of something far more meaningful than a reflection of physical form. Shadows are the corners of our mind the light of reason rarely touches.
They offer a window into another world. The world of eternal darkness that all too many of us love to fear.
It was the Chinese Han dynasty that gave us shadow puppets. One of Emperor Wu of Han's concubines died and he was so stricken with grief that he ordered his servants to raise her from the dead, and so, with a lamp and a figure made of donkey leather, they brought her shadow back to life.
Things turn even more eerie when it comes to shadow people. These are dark figures that are said to inhabit our peripheral vision (accompanied by a feeling of terrible dread) only to vanish if you try to look at them directly.
But these metaphors of fear hide a much more relaxing and wonderful truth.
Those dark corners of the mind are not full of fear and woe, but are the first steps on the path of truth if we allow ourselves to find out more about them.
"When walking through the "valley of shadows", remember, a shadow is cast by a Light"
~~ Austin O'Malley
~~ Austin O'Malley
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| I have just purchased this painting called "Shadow Watching" by Judy Prosser an artist from Broome, Western Australia I love her work. |
13 comments:
Some profound words about shadows. Love the painting!
Thanks Debra.
Here is a link to Judy Prosser's website if you want to look at more of her paintings.
http://www.judyprosser.com.au/paintings.htm
Peggy xxxxxx
Interesting post on shadows and an interesting painting too! I like the movement it portrays.
Thanks Christine for stopping by as you always do and leaving a lovely comment.
Yes I agree Judy has certainly captured the movement well.
Peggy xxxxx
Indeed, profound words as always, Peggy. I always thought Shadows benefited when Cliff Richard left...
Thanks Mike for your kind words.
Now that you have planted the seed, I must listen to some Shadows songs.
Take care my friend.
Peggy xxxx
A great thing about blogs is the blogger never knows what their post may trigger in their readers.
Shadow people - that's a new concept for me.
What I thought of was the old radio show called "The Shadow".
"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"
Too old for my to have listen to but today with the magic of the internet I can listen to old shows. Now I'm going to try out a few of them.
Here's the link
http://www.oldradioworld.com/shows/The_Shadow.php
Well Bill what an interesting link you have posted from the 1930's.
The good old Internet has a vast memory.
I am certainly up for a listen to this radio show.
The magazines look very interesting also and I may be able to get my hands on some of them as I volunteer for the Lifeline Bookfair in Sydney and we have a huge Graphic writing section.
So very happy my post triggered your memory.
Keep shining
Peggy xxxxx
Profound insights. There are foods that grow in shadow - like mushrooms - which I love but which can also kill. The shadow and the light exist together and we can't have one without the other. I think we each have our own light and shadow and achievements to make. We really can't compare ourselves to others although we often do. Thanks, as always, for your wisdom.
I love shadow puppets. And I REALLY love your newest purchase.
@ Candelaria (Can-Can) Many thanks for adding your insightful thoughts to this post. I had forgotten about mushrooms growing in dark shadows, I used to grow them is boxes under my house, it was fascinating watching them grow.
As I age I have stopped comparing myself to others and try and focus on my journey.
Take care dear friend. Peggy xxxxx
@Relyn I remember making Shadow Puppets with my hands for Joseph when he was 3 years old, it was lots of fun creating different animal shapes with our hands.
I have hung my new painting above my fire place in the lounge room so every night I can watch these shadow dancers.
Keep shining my friend. Peggy xxxxx
I have come to realize that when there are shadows that there must be light. If I'm seeing shadows then I just need to turn around and the light will be there. I'm not sure if you have heard Rianna singing Toward the Sun. It took me a while to really grasp the true meaning of the lyrics, but it is now one of my favorite songs. You can hear it with the lyrics here: https://youtu.be/MPQdQd7vY1g
Hey Annemarie
Towards the Sun is an awesome song, it doesn't take long to get stuck in your head. It sounds like a "moving on" song to me.
Thanks for sharing it. I have now pinned it to my music folder in Pinterest.
Waves of light beaming your way for downunder.
Peggy xxxxx
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