YOUR SHADOW, YOUR TEACHER

Your Shadow, Your Teacher

“Most of the shadows of life are caused by standing in our own sunshine.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I recall, as a child, my younger brother trying to stamp out his shadow. Failing, he ran from it. Getting to the door, he turned and, to his shocked chagrin, it was still there. In hopeless confusion and childlike panic, he bursts into frightful tears.

The above is a familiar experience amongst children. As they grow older, they realise that shadows never go away.

What is the purpose of a shadow? It’s a constant reminder that the darkness of life will always dog your heels. But, as your shadow never hurts you, so should you never allow the challenges of yesterday to darken the sunshine of your tomorrow.

Your shadow teaches you always to do what’s right, even in privacy. When you emerge into the light, the shadow of your actions trails you – for the rest of your life.

The paradox is that we all crave light, and it is this light that casts our shadows – yet without light, there can be no shadow.

As no man has ever escaped from his own shadow, so can you not escape from the consequences of your actions. Knowing this, become wise –

Do Good Everywhere You Go!
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Did you know? – Your shadow is longest in the early morning and late evening because the sun is at the lowest point in the sky at that time.