I very much appreciate all the comments, and shared views...
I understand the concept, for true. I just do not see a way to apply this in some areas. Perhaps using a separate method would be better?
I had been in a lifelong violent situation... And, as things go, my kids ended up emotionally harmed. While I thought for 21 years I was doing everyhing in my power to see my own children did not live in the way I had as a child, I was blind to the harm happening throughout. And, to be truthful about it all, probably fear kept me in a comfortable place of a lesser evil?
It was only when I had one of those AHHA! moments, that clarity came.
This was my first Mirror moment. While I knew I was not abusing my children, I was actively allowing them to become emotionally harmed, deeply hurt... by my one sided, and skewed views.
So, as hard as I fought to NOT become a statistic, I was indeed living as one through the opposite spectrum. And, in doing this I made my own children statistics.
I was the mirror of them. Maybe not using the same methods, no. But, the outcome was the same.
I did get out, and learned, and such...Took my own ownership of the years...

I think this is where the line is drawn, however.
Intent, and action?
While the mirror was there, I turned away. The others involved did not. Actually followed.
I am not sure total peace can happen. I don't think it is supposed to. We cannot become enlightened without lessons.
I will keep trying to see this through. Thank you =o)

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This is very interesting,and its true of course, as I havent done it yet I shall do this test.

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I love that story, Darcy, and you perceptively chose a story that mirrors me closely. I do carry things with me. It is one of the lessons I most need to learn - to let go. I am beginning my journey, but I don't think I'm far away enough from the proverbial river. Anyway, I note in myself more peace when I accept the contribution of my shadow selves, but I know I don't "carry" their presence well. In the book I'm reading, Shakti Gawain rightly says that "taking responsibility is not accepting blame", which I have been doing. I wish I knew how to gratefully accept the gifts of protection these selves have brought me, while letting any abuse from them flow through me, and somehow recognize them without shutting the door on parts of myself. It's confusing. I expect I'll spend many more years of meditation on it yet. Thanks for sharing, Darcy.

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To Jane;
Once upon a time, two priests, one old and the other young, were crossing a stream when a passing woman asked the young priest to carry her across the stream as she could not swim. after the young priest had carried her across, the old priest reprimanded the younger one for having touched a woman. to this, the young priest said, "i put the lady down after crossing the stream, but it seems that you're still carrying her with you (in your mind)." this is a nice story.
"Just Let it go"...Love and Blessings

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Thank you everybody for sharing your thoughts. I find the discussion fascinating. I think Marilyn came close to expressing some of my concerns.

I am aware of a multiplicity within myself. I was a victim, I was helpless, even against my own mother, but I have forgiven her, as I understand the terrible stresses she was under and the dualities inside her.

However, I am stuck in my healing. I know and acknowledge those inside me who are full of rage and pain and violence. I understand its origins, stemming from when I was only 3 years old. I have been on the brunt of that violence. I feel like I am a multiple of souls at different stages of soul evolution, and some of them are very much stuck in that mindset of violence and anger. I want to love them and dissolve that hate, but I am frightened of it too. Frightened that this level of violence is in me. It has never been expressed at another soul beyond my body (except in cruel words, which is perhaps just as bad if not worse than physical violence, if you look at Dr Emoto's studies with water).

My dilemma is I want to turn away from this violent multiplicity in myself. While I understand and respect that these souls helped in my survival, I do not know how to embrace them, without the fear that I am embracing violence and anger and rage.

Does anyone have thoughts on this, and recommended reading, so I can learn to accept all of myself? Thank you.

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He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye.
~ Buddah~

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One of the qualities of my soon-to-be ex-significant other that kills my soul is that he refuses to spend time with the people who love him. I guess that quality is self-centeredness. I spend time with the people I love and who love me in excess, sometimes to the detriment of my work, but when they need me I am there regardless. I think what Dr. Chopra says can be true, but isn't necessarily true all the time.

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I have used this exercise twice with recovering people. The concept that you have an abuser or violent person is hard. I believe that it means, that you have had strong thoughts or feelings of revenge or rage, but have not acted on them. This also applies to who you attract in your life and who you keep.

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Those who are 'pure assholes' are also our teachers. We view reality through 5 senses as through a pin-hole. We cannot see fully & therefore judge inadequately. That 'asshole' of today may be the angel of tomorrow.

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Think of healthy bodies...those anal orifices of humanity are necessary in the duality of human nature. They teach us! & they are essential to expel feces...Forgiveness is an act of SELF love; a challenge indeed.

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