Imagine if you will, a shadow just to the left of you. This shadow is a composite of all your learning, experiences and who you think you are. Got it? There's you, full bodied and there is your own sweet shadow.
As you progress down the lane of life, I like that. A LANE OF LIFE. Use it if you like but I want royalties. Anyway I digress. After a time in the lane, what happens is that you begin to assume that the shadow is who you really are. So much time is spent on making the shadow more "REAL" that you begin first to identify with it and then to become certain that it is you.
Over time this identification draws you focus away from your true real self, the self that can cast a show. The one with real substance, and in the process becomes itself shadow like. The false now has susperceded the real.
This false shadow now is your daily self, and the true self is so severed from your attention that there are consequences that begin to arise. Sickness, loss of energy, a true and satisfied fullfilment becomes very rare and mostly forgotten. Lets not forget restlessness. But the biggie is Alzheimers. Time out of your true self is damaging.
Your shadow is a learned thing. It gives the names and meanings to everything you see, but it can not give sense and comfort or connection or relationship. Only your real self can sustain life. Only your true self can go "Arhh" when you slump comfortably in a chair after a hard day. Only your true self is refreshed after a good night's sleep. And only your true self makes a heightened sense of life after hearing some blissful music. In short, your life's substance is the self that allows the shadow.
Let's now close after a little visual picture. There you are in full substance and solid body. To your left is the shadow, a thing in grey and of no substance. As you give attention to your shadow, it becomes more substantial and your so so solid bodily true self becomes shadowy and ephemeral. This is dying while still alive, and deadly to your health.
Luckily it is for the most part while you are alive, reversable. Get your focus back on the real you. The one that feels, lives and breathes.
Paul
