One of the distinct features of depth psychology, as compared to more behavioral approaches to therapy, is the time we (therapist and client) spend in the dark corners of the psyche.
By that I mean looking at our shadows and undesirable characteristics within, so that we bring them to consciousness.
Carl Jung referred to the shadow as that within all, which is unconscious, repressed, undeveloped and denied.
He stated: "When an inner situation is not made conscious, it happens outside as fate".
Although a valuable concept to remember, I often forget how much of life is a projection of my own unresolved issues.
It is usually in a moment of surrender, when I give up using anger and blaming situations, or people, that the awareness comes to me: what we resist, persists.
It is in that aha moment that I smile and realize a deeper look is needed into my shortcomings and residual nonsense from the past.
Today is the first day of spring, nature's season of renewal and rebirth.
It's also a day of celebration for the Persian culture, representing 'Norooz', which means a 'new day'.
As I reflect on the symbolic significance of this day in my personal life, I think of the symbol of Phoenix, a mythical bird, which burns itself to ashes every few hundred years, only to be reborn and alive again.
Representing fire and divinity, Phoenix is said to regenerate when wounded, thus being almost invincible.
Although we are humans and mortal beings, there represents an inner resiliency within our nature to start anew.
In my clinical work, I see this quality in children as well as older adults.
In my own life, I have experienced many fresh starts, both professionally and personally.
I continue to be amazed at the potential of humanity for renewal and peace.
As we are amidst challenging times collectively, let's remember to shed light on our shadows, so that we may find the capacity for rebirth.
On this significant day, let's redefine spring cleaning, grab a flashlight and look at the dusty corners of our souls.