Shadows on the Wall

I recently stumbled once again across Plato's Allegory of The Cave, and his captivating phrase, "shadows on the wall." In short, Plato proposes that until we humans awaken psychologically and spiritually, we are not seeing or experiencing reality, rather our projections and impressions of that reality.

As is often the case, this became another psycho-spiritual rabbit hole for me (I'm like a bloodhound that cannot ignore a tantalizing scent), however, I found a mystical interpretation that is really good.

There is Light falling upon all created things, and even all that is yet uncreated. That Light casts shadows of every imaginable form. Those shadows are the opportunity to awaken to a Reality that is far more than we imagine, if we will turn toward that Light. Indeed, one commentator suggests the point is not just to see the Light, but to allow the Light to embody us, to become one with it, to fully embrace the Reality of which we are a part, and which is us.

The commentators proceed to observe that most of us remain mesmerized by the shadows on the wall of our lives, failing to understand that while they are beautiful and captivating, they are only representations. It also seems that we really like our illusions, and because of that, are quite attached to them, even if they are not useful, or are in fact quite destructive to our well-being.

Assuming one might like to see or become the Light, to let go of illusions and through that find Reality, how might we proceed? My long-time mentor, affectionately known as Master Samwise, proposed a few steps:

First, we need to awaken our curiosity. Could it be that my perception or understanding is wrong? What might be possible alternatives?
Then to push ourselves a bit. What would I like reality to be? What can I conceive even if I cannot believe it to be possible?
From here, to take action that will allow for new information to flow. What actions can I take to engage and experience this new reality?
Finally, to set aside time to reconsider the possibilities based on what we have seen and experienced. Does this information validate the old views, or the new ones? What would be a next step to further the exploration?

It can be helpful to have someone we trust to discuss our findings and conclusions. A friend calls this “ground truthing,” a practice many of us have found enlightening.

Seeing True in Reality and In Practice™

A life that is well-lived is one that moves toward function and integration rather that dysfunction and disintegration. Understanding is the magic elixir.