In a culture where spirituality has become a commodity, it can be difficult to differentiate between what helps us awaken and what keeps us asleep. It is a common misconception for spirituality to be viewed as movement toward the light instead of delving into, identifying, and integrating repressed aspects of our psyche. In this workshop, we examine this often overlooked aspect of spiritual attainment: our shadow. Guided by spiritual counselor Abdi Assadi, we examine some of the ways we can skip doing deep spiritual work by hiding our shadow behind spiritual practices and spirituality in general. Through guided meditations, lecture, experiential exercises, group discussion, and question-and-answer sessions, we explore the original woundings that bring us to the spiritual path, unhealthy teacher-student relationships, and addictive behaviors masquerading as spiritual practice. We also discover how to use personal relationships as powerful vehicles for spiritual transformation and discover helplessness and surrender as tools for spiritual growth. Required reading: Assadi, Shadows On the Path.Abdi Assadi, MS, LAc, is an acupuncturist and spiritual counselor. Raised in Africa, Asia, and New York City, he has studied a range of healing practices including shamanism, psychotherapy, and acupuncture. His work centers on helping his clients use their disease and dysfunction as a doorway to spiritual serenity. He is the author of Shadows on the Path: Revelations and Pitfalls On the Spiritual Journey. abdiassadi.com |
