All the darkness within can be divined

 All the darkness within can be divined

Although we appear to be one unified self, we are essentially a conglomeration of many different selves, haphazardly and conflictingly stuck together. Throughout our life, these different parts of our being express themselves, competing in calling for our attention. And our consciousness experiences intense shifts, taking turns in identifying with them, feeling their emotions, expressing their character, and fulfilling their wishes. Consequently, our understanding of who we are and what we want is in constant flux. We want different things at different times and feel pushed and pulled in multiple directions. But to lead a meaningful life, we must join the pieces of this jigsaw called self.

A careful self-observation is a good starting point to understand the different facets of our self. We can begin by finding out with which part of our being the ‘i’ consciousness has identified in a given moment, in whose voice it is speaking at the time. As we observe this, we should try stepping back from our outer being and disidentifying with the ‘i’ consciousness, so that we slowly achieve freedom from the power it holds over our attention.

This can be done by reminding ourselves that what we see is not our whole being but a very tiny, superficial part and, therefore, we must not let it overrule us. We could also use a visualisation technique – imagine we are a vast ocean. All parts of our outer being represent the surface where waves are moving in a volatile and forceful manner and beneath it there is deep and calm water that represents our soul. While holding this image in our consciousness and feeling its vibrations, we remind ourselves repeatedly that we are the soul and not the volatile surface layers.

 As awareness of the soul develops, we learn to look at the different parts of our being from an evolved perspective. Everything within us, whether big or small, baser, or unrefined, has the potential of transforming into something beautiful and becoming divinised. According to Rumi, “The dark thought, the shame, the malice. Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whatever comes. Because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” Thus, we need not look at any part of our persona as an aberration or impediment. Our dark sides need love, encouragement, guidance and an implicit faith that they too will transform into something splendid, pure and blissful.

Imagine how wonderful it would be to open ourselves to the darkness within, with a big heart, without fear, shame, guilt, or self-hatred, welcoming it to speak to us. We can candidly and empathically ask that part why does it continue to be so angry, envious, vengeful, destructive, and so much in pain? As we continue to address it with compassion and curiosity, it reveals itself completely and tells us where the pain is, what caused it and how can it be overcome.

Subsequently, this dark and difficult part gives up all resistance, inertia and opens itself to the possibilities of change, growth and unification. What follows is complete integration and alignment of the different parts of our being into a harmonious, luminous, truthful and meaningful whole.

Courtesy :TOI