Book review: The Shadow Effect
I love Deepak Chopra, so when I saw The Shadow Effect on the TLC Book Tour, I said “Me! Me! Me!”
Then the book arrived, and I realized it was only co-written by Chopra. “Oh dear,” I thought, “I don’t like co-written books.” I find them quite disjointed, and the voices too dissimilar.
I am happy to report this is not the case with The Shadow Effect. Rather, the book flowed smoothly from one author to the next. And total bonus, I discovered two more authors I now thoroughly enjoy, Debbie Ford and Marianne Williamson.
The Shadow Effect refers to the piece deep down inside of each us, that we would prefer remain buried. It doesn’t though. Instead, it shows up as a snide or hurtful comment. Or a self-sabotaging decision. Or self-destructive and addictive behaviours.
Chopra, Ford and Williamson contend that the more we try to silence the Shadow’s voice, the louder it gets. The more we try to ignore its presence, the stronger it becomes.
Instead, they give us very compelling reasons to acknowledge the existence of our Shadow. Then, bring it right out in the open and claim it as a piece of our humanity.
At this point, we can shine a bright light of self-love on it.
When a shadow is bathed in light, it disappears.
What I found most impressive about The Shadow Effect was the authors’ call for personal accountability. It is one thing to examine events that gave rise to our individual Shadows, but at some point you have to move on.
To quote a passage from Williamson:
It is so easy, when a situation is difficult, to cast all blame for the problem onto others. But the true seeker says, “What did I do wrong? What was my part in this disaster?”
Hear! Hear!
If you are ready to examine your Shadow, this book is for you. It is written with Chopra’s usual scientific, yet passionate, voice. And if, like me, you are unfamiliar with Debbie Ford and Marianne Williamson, then you are in for a treat. They complement Chopra beautifully, while bringing their own styles and passions to the book.
More information:
Make sure you come back on June 24, 2010, to enter to win a copy of The Shadow Effect.
For more reviews on the Shadow Effect, please visit:
Wednesday, June 16th: World’s Strongest Librarian
Thursday, June 17th: Create a Balance Coaching
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Ah! So glad you found two more authors you like! That’s such a nice surprise, when you like the other contributors in a book like this.
I loved how you said, “When a shadow is bathed in light, it disappears.” So true. One thing I hate is when I see something, and someone says it’s not real. Seems like when we ignore things, that’s when they grow into these monsters that overtake us.
Thanks for being on this tour! Great review!
@Trish – It may be initially unpleasant, but I would much rather face the monster head on and get it over with. I have got much better things to do with my time than fear the boogie man in the closet
I have been using Debbie Ford’s work on the shadow self for my daily meditation. It is quite revealing to go back and unpack the layers that have been added to the original feelings or ideas.
I love Marianne Williamson as an author. I do think this could be a very powerful book and read and will put it on my book list too.
I envy you picking books to read off the book tours list….I seem to have to wait to be solicited…