Product Description

In this enlightening guide, Debbie Ford explains that the dark side of our personality should not be hidden. By denying our dark side, we reject these aspects of our true natures rather than giving ourselves the freedom to live authentically. Here she shows that it is possible to acknowledge and accept our so-called weaknesses, proving that these qualities may be important, hidden strengths. For example, perhaps some 'selfishness' can save us from exhaustion and resentment.

Full of illuminating stories and practical exercises, Debbie Ford shows us how to reconcile our darker impulses and find the gifts they offer. Your life will be transformed when you unconceal, own, and embrace your shadow.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28353 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
We know the shadow by many names: alter ego, lower self, the dark twin, repressed self, id. Carl Jung once said that the shadow "is the person you would rather not be". But even if you choose to hide your dark side, it will still cast a shadow, according to author Debbie Ford. Rather than reject the seemingly undesirable parts of ourselves, Ford offers advice on how to confront our shadows. Only by owning every aspect of yourself can you achieve harmony and "let your own light shine," she explains. "The purpose of doing shadow work, is to become whole. To end our suffering. To stop hiding ourselves from ourselves. Once we do this we can stop hiding ourselves from the rest of the world."

As threatening as shadow work may seem, it is often very effective in creating transformation. Ford's step-by-step guidebook is modelled on a highly successful course she developed about embracing the shadow. Ultimately, she helps readers illuminate the gifts and strengths that lie within the shadows. Although this may sound vague, clouded in dark metaphors, Ford manages to make it clear and specific. She has the writing gifts of a successful seminar leader--inspirational, trustworthy, and able to convey murky material with grace and ease. --Gail Hudson

Dean Ornish
'Debbie Ford teaches us to recognize, embrace, and ultimately love all aspects of ourselves. Highly recommended.'

Review
'In this profound book, Debbie Ford systematically outlines the steps to wholeness and transformation.' (Deepak Chopra )

'Debbie Ford guides us past the self-punishing patterns that often bind us. Her ideas are exceptionally compelling.' (Marianne Williamson )

'Debbie Ford teaches us to recognize, embrace, and ultimately love all aspects of ourselves. Highly recommended.' (Dean Ornish )

Customer Reviews

An invitation to be a Whole Human Being!
The message here is clear. Reclaim your power and creativity by actively embracing the sides of yourself you deny or dislike. Rather than waste time and energy condemning others, look at yourself for possible faults you may be finding in those around you. In this context, being a whole person is more important than being a "good" person. Being "spiritual" means being fully human, warts and all!

Many examples are given throughout of how judging others negatively is in fact a mirror for one's own perceived negative personality traits. Positive qualities are also often projected onto others and we can reclaim these too. By accepting the whole truth about ourselves we can move forward with a greater sense of self-worth and more love to give to others.

"Do you really want inner peace?" asks Debbie Ford, "If you do its yours. Surrender. Stop fighting. Stop defending. Stop pretending. Stop denying. Stop lying to yourself". Overall this is a powerful read in the territory of the "Conversations With God" books by Neale Donald Walsch who contributes an introduction here. As with many books of this nature, the challenge is to consistently LIVE these ideas!

Mirror, mirror on the wall...
When you are ready to take full responsibility for your life and quit blaming others for your emotional re-act-ions, and choose to stop depending on therapists and gurus to fix you, this book offers a brilliant tool. It offers to teach you to respond to your emotional reactions and discover what hidden issue the triggering event touched deep within you, and thus resolve it by bringing it to consciousness. It wraps up a lot of things you mostly find in half understood fragments in psychology and self-help literature, and is one of very few truly useful books.

A real eye opener of a book
I have read this book many times and consider it one of the most important I have ever read. A clear practical guide to self discovery and acceptance. No jargon, no fudge.