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Illuminating the Shadow - Book

Illuminating the Shadow explores dynamic new ways of understanding the world we inhabit both individually as well as collectively. Our ‘shadow’, a term first coined by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, contains all the unconscious aspects of our psyches. It holds the potential of all that we might become as well as the hidden patterns that are, so often, the main drivers of our life, by either limiting our self-expression, or propelling us along paths that we would not willingly tread. Because these patterns sit below the level of the conscious mind, we are not normally aware of their subtle yet profound influence upon us. This book will show you how to realise your full potential by bringing these self-limiting shadow elements into the light of consciousness, thereby allowing you to take control of your life and to heal the traumas they hold. Through this process, you will liberate yourself in a most profound way.

Divided into three sections, complete with many exercises and activities, the book first looks at the shadow within literature, films, myths and fairy tales. The second section considers the concept of a ‘Cosmic Shadow’, before exploring the ‘personal shadow’ and then its manifestation within ‘the collective’, with its insights into extremism. The final section provides many different techniques for exploring and balancing our own hidden shadow nature.

Illuminating the Shadow, in challenging orthodoxy, whether scientific or religious, presents new insights into the fundamental patterns that imbue all aspects of life, such as the evolution of consciousness, the balance of opposites and the relationship between the material and spiritual dimension. As such it will appeal to those with an interest in new ways of thinking.

Articles:
The Light and Shadow of Brexit by David Furlong

Illuminating the Shadow:
Transmuting the Dark Side of the Psyche

Atlanta Books 2016
Signed book offer £16:50 incl. p&p UK only. (For overseas please contact David Furlong ).

UK only

David Furlong’s latest book, Illuminating the Shadow, is a wonderful, erudite account of the human psyche, particularly in its wounded and hidden aspects. First we are introduced to the concept of the Shadow in films, literature, myth, metaphor and Fairy Tales, before learning how it manifests at a personal, public and collective level. Finally, we are taught how to learn from and integrate this aspect of ourselves, and of the human condition. Illuminating the Shadow is full of practical insights drawn from Furlong’s work as a therapist, with exercises to help the reader explore and make peace with him or herself. It is the sort of book that deserves more than one reading; that asks to be borrowed and lent so that the wisdom contained within can be shared as widely as possible.

Dr Fiona Bowie, King’s College London & the Afterlife Research Centre Author of the bestselling Anthropology of Religion (Blackwell)

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Illuminating the Shadow explores a rich breadth of academic knowledge and everyday life experience with great depth and wisdom. Scholarly exposition of shadow through history, the arts and sciences provides far-reaching insights for human nature and global society. Story, myth and metaphor show how we express and try to understand our own complexity, divine mystery and the struggle between good and evil at personal and collective levels. And bringing dark psyche into the light shows shadow in relief, not to be eliminated but illuminated since, in its vital integrative function, it is both teacher and healer. Therapeutic examples and exercises in shadow work demonstrate the journey into light and compassionate love, with free will continuously informed by evolving consciousness, that points us towards full relationship with the living human God, and with our selves and each other. For the advancement of mental and spiritual health, this eminently practical book deserves a wide readership.

Dr David McDonald, Consultant Psychiatrist and Advisor in the Church of England’s Healing Ministry

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