Beyond the Shadow Dance: Finding Self-Love in the Quiet Dissolution of the Ego

The Dance of Healing: A Mirror of Solitude

The quest for self-love begins in the sacred conjunction with the inner self. You are your own path, your own experience, you are life unfolding, and with it comes understanding it, a slow process of learning to see your own self in different ways, in different mirrors. 

"The hermit" Acrylics on paper

The Mirror of Solitude

One is, fundamentally, for oneself alone. Though the tapestry of existence is colored by encounters—the sharing, the laughter, the debate, or the tender touch—when night falls and at dawn, one remains their own and only constellation. Often, this inherent solitude is evaded. We flee the encounter with the self because it is a mirror that confronts us with the incessant murmur of our thoughts and the tide of our emotions.

It is there that the painful parcels we have relegated to silence to avoid their weight still pulse. This terror of revelation—of facing the deficiencies, the buried fears, the nameless wound—is why so many evade their own company, for confrontation is the unavoidable gateway to the labor of healing.

In this era of mirages and perpetual distraction, we completely deny ourselves, accumulating in the soul's cellar all that should be closely observed. Everything evaded will ascend to the surface abruptly, like a wordless cry. We will believe it is illness or an adverse fate; we will be blind to the fact that this eruption is the content of the sack of memories we never dared to open.

The simple act of being alone—in the stillness of the self—unearths all that was left unexamined. It emerges in a slow, measured ascent. It requires only the sanctuary of space, the light of attention, and the firm will to heal.

The Empty Canvas and the Fire of Evolution

Think for a moment: we arrive as an empty canvas, yet we are quickly painted by countless hands. This painted image becomes our Ego, the avatar we use to navigate this life.

"Becoming" Watercolor on paper

After a continuous period of soul-shaking pain events, we are forced onto a new path. This is an internal calling, an awakening that arrives only when we’re exhausted by the weight of being a victim and are finally ready to seek a truth that makes sense. It’s an evolution fueled by the deepest discomfort, because the pain is the fire that burns away the unnecessary baggage.

 "A dance with the shadow part of ourselves"  

The Shadow—a core concept in Jungian psychology.t suggests that true self-acceptance and wholeness don't come from suppressing the negative, undesirable, or hidden aspects of our personality, but from engaging with them.

Understanding the "Shadow"

The Shadow, as defined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, is the unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego doesn't identify with. It contains everything we deny about ourselves, including:

• Negative Traits: Aggression, jealousy, selfishness, fear, or laziness.

• Unfulfilled Potential: Talents, urges, or desires that were rejected by our family or society and pushed into the unconscious.

• Primitive Instincts: The animalistic or morally ambiguous parts of the human psyche.

The Nature of the "Dance"

The idea of a "dance" implies a dynamic, non-violent engagement rather than a battle:

• Acknowledgement: The first step is to recognize the Shadow exists. It often appears when we have intense, irrational reactions to others (which Jung called "projection"). For example, intensely disliking someone's arrogance may be a sign that we've suppressed our own desire for recognition.

• Integration (The Dance): The "dance" is the process of bringing these unconscious elements into conscious awareness. It's about saying, "Yes, that part is also me." It doesn't mean acting on every negative impulse, but understanding its source, energy, and message.

• Wholeness: By integrating the Shadow, we become a whole person (individuation). The energy previously spent on suppressing these traits is freed up, and the raw power of the Shadow's instincts and creativity can be channeled constructively. When we stop fighting the dark, we can use its power to grow.

In essence, the "dance" is a vital journey toward psychological maturity, where the goal isn't to kill the Shadow, but to treat it as a partner that holds vital, albeit dark, energy necessary for a complete life.

Papier Maché, acrylics calaverita and crochet chalina and skirt, paper flowers.

Papier maché, acrylics and crochet hat, scarf and skirt

Meditation: The Gentle Dissolution of ego

The Ego is not an evil part of us; it is our unpolished diamond. We need it to function in this world. The key is not to destroy it, but to gently guide it.

And this is where meditation becomes your most profound savior.

"Meditation" Acrylics on paper

"To be a Buddha is to be an awakened human being—one who is simply awake to the reality of the present moment." — Thich Nhat Hanh

"Meditation" Clay and acrylic paint.

Meditation is the great healer for the Ego because its process is one of  natural dissolution. It is a noble way of the spirit to create an inner space—a quiet void—that naturally clears the damaged parts of the Ego: the stored pain, the false stories, and the history it carries. This unforced process, based on free will, is not one of terrifying death, but of quiet, enjoyable spaciousness.

Through this conscious effort, I healed the primary wounds of my panic attacks, only to realize the healing journey had just begun. Traumas, childhood baggage, and struggles were all imprinted in my pain, woven into the narrative of the victimized self.

The self and its pure state contains peace, harmony and a state of bliss. One can find this path by practicing meditation for it removes the veils of ego.

The Unending Horizon of Healing

So, how do you know when something is truly healed?

In my experience, a wound has transformed when I can speak, write, or share about it with no pain felt. It becomes a tool, a compass used to guide others. If I feel even a flicker of the old hurt, I know that sacred work remains.

"Path"

"Horizon"

Healing is an ongoing process—we don't arrive at a final destination of perfection. Life continues to offer new experiences, new ways to be challenged. But now, you are stronger. You can rely on past wisdom, and the pain you encounter will be easier to process, like a fire that burns quickly and cleanly.

Finally, we must practice profound gentleness and forgiveness If you find pride in your spiritual achievements or feel superior to others, your Ego is still at the helm. Observe these feelings without judgment. Be kind to yourself. Heal, change, and upgrade without punishment, because no one ever healed through resentment.

The most freeing realization is this: everyone is on their own perfect, unique journey. You don't have to carry anyone else to enlightenment. Your task is to simply observe, heal, change, and let everyone else bloom in their own time.

The Art and Wisdom of Cats

Beyond the inner work of the soul, nothing brings us back to simple, profound acceptance quite like our feline companions. Their inherent dignity and easy comfort perfectly mirror the self-love we seek. As I reflect on my own path, I'm inspired by the wisdom of these "feline zen masters."

"My love, my heart"

"Window cat"

"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this." — Terry Pratchett

"Petunia in zen mode"

Petunia, in the jungle

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." — Albert Schweitzer

Hello

Excuse me?

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat" — Ellen Perry Berkeley

"My love for cats" Acrylics on paper / Photo

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." — Hippolyte Taine

"Love and I" Acrylics on paper

"I Home" Acrylics on paper

"The heart's flight" Acrylics on paper

Allow this journey carry us to higher places in the self, 

may we all elevate our hearts and keep diving deep in the soul, 

let the sun within the heart shine bright and guide the way,

for we are all here just trying to find the way back home.

Namaste 🙏🏻

Thank you for being here.

Las piedras en mi boca

The Veil of the Self

AI generated and Digital work by Moni.

The ego is the story we tell ourselves, the character we’ve created from an echo of voices: that of our parents, society, our fears, and our accomplishments. It is a map forged by inherited ideas and beliefs, a shield that has protected us but often prevents us from seeing our true essence. It is the identity we wear unknowingly, the guardian of our comfort zone, and the keeper that, in the silence, sometimes leads us away from ourselves. This is the intricate process of how that veil is woven from our earliest days.

At the dawn of childhood, innocence and the absorption of external ideas intertwine, all under the sway of a subconscious we are unaware of. It is attentive to every detail, storing it as something sacred, noting every gesture, every glance, and what it believes it means.

Soon we learn that our inner world is bigger and that we want to belong to it to feel a part of it, as we also learn how painful it is not to. Day by day, we unknowingly program ourselves from everything around us, and with all of it, we begin to form a personality. We convince ourselves that this is who we are, and in the end, we create an identity—the mask we wear and so proudly defend with our lives.

Society shapes us, whether we want it to or not, and we don't even notice. Every experience lived during that time of growing up becomes part of a self we are creating, and we convince ourselves that this is who we are. Upon reaching adulthood, all that we've accumulated creates very difficult and painful crises. Sometimes the crisis is so abrupt and harsh that it pulls the rug out from under us and throws us off balance, forcing us to look inward and seek the reasons for our woes. But it is precisely in these moments of profound discomfort that we are given a choice: to continue defending the mask, or to finally lift the veil and meet the truest version of ourselves.

Art journal in process. Collage, rose petals, stabilo pencil and markers on paper

Las piedras en mi boca, Mixed media collage on paper

Las piedras en mi boca, Mixed media collage on paper

Las piedras en mi boca, Mixed media collage on paper

The Sacred Dance of Anima and Animus

In the stillness of our being, a profound truth resides: within each of us lives the sacred dance of the masculine and the feminine. These are the archetypes of Anima and Animus, the eternal energies that dwell in the depths of our soul. They are the mirror and the shadow, the silent song of yin and yang that yearns for a single, harmonious note.

This inner duality speaks to us not only in the stories of our dreams but also in the mirrors of our waking world. It is the sudden fascination with another's strength, or the projection of our own unacknowledged qualities onto the faces we meet. This is the inner masculine or feminine rising, sometimes as a fierce storm of emotion, other times as a quiet, compelling force.

The journey toward wholeness is the conscious, courageous act of embracing this dance. It is listening for the inner voice that offers clarity and conviction, and learning to distinguish it from the echo of our fears. It is inviting the masculine's strength to serve the heart, not to rule it, allowing it to become a wellspring of inner courage, creativity, and purpose.

Ultimately, integrating these two parts of the self is not about changing who you are, but about becoming fully complete. It is the sacred work of uniting your own masculine and feminine—your strength and your grace—so they may move together in a profound and authentic harmony.

Las piedras en mi boca, son el recuento de lo sucedido,

que no sale ni entra, mi voz en silencio.

Una ventana a lo que el horizonte permite,

donde anida el olvido, lo no dicho y la nada.

Lo extraño y lo increíble,

y todo aquello en lo que me convertí.

Aunque el corazón sigue casi intacto,

palpitando luz y sonido,

sosteniendo un espacio libre donde tú habitas,

inevitablemente lo habitas.

Y mi percepción se extiende

más allá de tu mano, a un brazo desnudo

con cuerdas de música y fuerza.

Me invitaste a tu casa, sencilla y hermosa.

Hablábamos de lo simple.

Mi corazón brillaba con una luz

que solo el alma puede reconocer.

Desperté con una felicidad especial,

anhelando retener lo imposible.

En este vuelo de impermanencia,

todo se disuelve, lo horrible y lo hermoso,

y uno tiene que ceder, soltar,

o eso lo suelta a uno.

Pero algo de ello queda,

esperanza, recuerdos, siluetas,

y la añoranza de que algo de todo ese sueño es real.

"Animus"  Watercolor on paper

"Animus" Watercolor on paper

Open your heart gently to the quiet light of your own being. In the stillness, a silent song reveals the self, the witness, the truth.

Your journey is a continuous unfolding of wonders, a tapestry woven with grace. The person you are now will soon dissolve into the self yet to be, but all that you are is held in a thread of wisdom that will carry you through the next beautiful chapter.

Keep writing new, exciting soul adventures. Become the flower, the clouds, the passing shadows. There is always time, for eternity is playing, spreading, and singing, wearing different masks and flavors.

The one you are becoming is already here, held in the quiet truth of this moment. You are the journey and the destination all at once.

"Astrology" (crop) Watercolor, white & black pen

"Astrology" Watercolor, white & black pen

The Courage to Be Yourself

After discussing the veil of the self, a natural question arises: What are we, then, beneath that mask?

The world's echo offers us countless answers, but the truth does not reside in blind faith; it lives in the courage to forge your own path. No one can see with your eyes, feel with your heart, or be your light. It is your own spirit that must be the seeker, the architect of its own journey.

This path can sometimes feel solitary, for only you can guide yourself. But in that solitude lies a profound freedom. Today, we can learn from those who have walked before us, but the compass still points inward. It is there, in your silence, where the truth that is uniquely yours resides.

Meditation is the art of creating space. It is the sacred act of releasing thoughts and beliefs, emptying the baggage we have carried. With each breath, we detach from the accumulated weight, and in that lightness, we discover that what we truly are is a vast space filled with immense light. We are consciousness it self.

And for you, what does it mean to be the seeker of your own path?

✨Namaste 🙏🏻✨

✨Surrender to light ✨

In the gentle embrace of meditation's silence, a space often opens within. Here, one may truly realize life as an intricate, unfolding mystery – a profound depth that continuously reveals itself. To find peace amidst this boundless unknown, the path forward is to see with your heart and to lean into the trust of a greater, omnipresent intelligence.

We may meticulously chart our courses, convinced we are navigating the right path, yet the universe often holds a tapestry of other plans, not only for us but for all who grace our journey.

For me, peace blossoms in the act of surrender: to what is, to what is destined to be, and to the whisper of higher guidance. This release, this letting go of pushing against events, or clinging tightly to my own ideas and wishes, liberates me from the unnecessary burdens of pain.

Our inner state is our truest home

A sanctuary constantly shaped by the currents within. We continuously unfurl our emotions into our very being, living with them through each day, and often carrying them into the night. Sometimes we are unaware of their subtle presence; at other times, we fail to release their grip. Consequently, we may awaken feeling tired, or burdened by anger – though on "lucky" days, we rise with a lightness of spirit.

Learning to observe this rich inner landscape is a profound practice, one that gently evolves into the ability to guide your own feelings back to peace. The external world will, inevitably, present its challenges and myriad events. To consciously tend to and transform your inner state becomes a powerful discipline, allowing you to return to serenity whenever its calm embrace is needed.

Begin by looking inward, gently observing the landscape of your feelings. Recognize that you are the guide within these sensations, empowered to shift towards states you prefer. An inner peace, profound and steady, offers a beautiful choice – a state that naturally fosters balance and helps release every possible tension. Cultivate this practice throughout your day.

Embrace it before sleep, inviting a night of true rest and a morning of refreshed awakening.

Should you find yourself triggered or unsettled during the day, pause. Take a few precious moments to regain your inner peace. This intentional pause will not only clarify your next step but also anchor you in calm, allowing for a more thoughtful and mature response. While this may not always feel effortlessly possible, knowing that this power resides within you, accessible at any moment, is the most profound self-support you can ever enforce.

Peace, Joy, Harmony. Watercolor on paper

*

May your heart surrender to the gentle flow of light, 

Guided by the quiet wisdom in the birds' flight. 

Trust in how the unseen wind cradles us into the sun, 

Unfurl yourself into the radiant truth you are to become.

Dive deep into the boundless ocean of wonder; 

Drink, then, of me – your truest self, your luminous mirror.

Birthday cards in beautiful watercolor

Switching gears from our inner reflections, let's talk about something I adore: cards! I have a sizable collection, and I absolutely love making them – especially now with the vibrant freedom of watercolors.

My sister's birthday on September 8th was the perfect excuse to get creative. I designed a few special cards, and I'm thrilled to share them here with you, hoping they inspire your next crafting adventure! For an abundance of ideas, just head over to Pinterest and search for "watercolor cards" – you'll find endless inspiration waiting.

And speaking of cherished connections, I must share a little about my beautiful sister. I count myself truly blessed to have her in my life; she is, quite simply, a walking hug – always ready to embrace me, making me feel loved, cared for, and wonderfully pampered. Who wouldn't adore such warmth?

For her recent birthday, we celebrated at our beloved "Il Fornaio" in Coronado, San Diego. Oh, their pastas are simply divine, a gentle food offering delicious texture and comforting softness. That day, I savored their parmesan chicken special, which was exquisite! But my absolute favorite indulgence there remains the Tiramisú – a dessert I adore, perfected by their masterful hands. With its just-right iced tea, and the bonus of a stunning ocean view, it's truly our go-to spot for celebrations. Afterwards, a lovely stroll along the beach, dotted with charming sweet shops, completed our perfect day.

Beyond the vibrant hues of my watercolor cards, a special touch for my sister's birthday was a pair of delicate white cotton crochet gloves. They quickly stole her heart, inspiring a request for a second pair in her favorite shade! Our subsequent trip to choose beautiful acrylic yarn and a new crochet hook was a delightful adventure in itself. These charming gloves are not only adorable but also embody the warmth and care of a handmade gift – a truly special offering for someone dear.

So, whether you're picking up a paintbrush, a crochet hook, or simply taking a moment to breathe and recenter, may you find inspiration in both the grand mysteries of life and the small, beautiful acts of creation.

 

♥️✨Namaste 🙏🏻

The Soul Comes Home

Morning. Earl Grey tea, sandalwood incense, my favorite ginger cat named OM is still asleep at 5:48 a.m. I walk to the window to see the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus. It only lasts for a few days, so I was lucky to be a witness to this beautiful sight. A few clouds parted just enough to reveal them: bright, small diamonds in the sky that brought so much awe to my heart.

This new home, where I moved a few months ago, brings an unfamiliar sense of peace. Or perhaps, I've finally learned to hold it in my heart with much less effort than I did during the days of darkness. I am becoming serenity itself, and it feels so good. Some days feel like a permanent vacation. I wonder if this is how we should all live—it seems so natural. But then I remember a time when work and "being someone" were all that mattered to me.

I feel reborn and renewed, but also maturing—not just physically, but deep in my soul. I value things differently now, and I savor each piece of my everyday life, simple yet so present. This painting represents that feeling. I confess I had to paint it twice; I didn't like the first version. This is the second piece, and I think I might create another one. I'm working on getting better at watercolor, and it takes a lot of practice. Not every piece turns out great, but I'm truly enjoying the process.

The Wisdom of Spiritual Connection

The spirit doesn't just come to the holy; it comes to those who seek it.

It arrives in the empty space we create after letting go of old beliefs. True wisdom is when you become it; words fade into nothing, and being itself acts on its own knowledge.

You can walk through fires without being burned. You are the sky, and your thoughts are merely the clouds. Every act of love helps heal the world.

When you stop seeing yourself through your eyes and begin to feel yourself through your heart, you will finally know who you truly are.

Every action and every thought carries a seed that will inevitably grow. Life is your teacher, and what you give will be given back. We live in a room of mirrors, and the reactions to our actions will sometimes only be witnessed by those who come after us—a form of ancestral karma. We are always empowered to choose in every moment.

Be like a river when encountering challenges: instead of fighting them, flow around them. They are nothing.

We are the holy, the sacred, having a human experience. Our thoughts and actions often make us feel unworthy. We are also conditioned to forget the truth of who we are, taught to feel only human—to be scared of the world, scared of disease, and scared of dying.

These are the beliefs of the conditioned mind. Once in this world, we are taught to be afraid of everything.

Only you can bring peace to your heart. There is nothing more important than connecting with your soul each day, each night, and realizing who you truly are.

The Spirit in the Everyday World

The sacred is not something found in distant places, but in every moment and action of our lives.  We are convinced that it's distant, in some other realm, that we are not it, that we are separated from the sacred. 

True wisdom is not found externally, but from within.  By unlearning fear, we return to the truth of our essence.

As we empty ourselves in the silence of meditation, we create a space for the pure spirit to enter. Together, we begin to form a new, cleaner, and healthier self. Through this practice, all things heal. We no longer hold onto what is wrong, doubt, or fear; instead, we replace it with the peace of simply being.

Daily life becomes a delight, especially when we learn to carry that state of being with us after our daily meditation. Everything around us begins to shine and breathe, and we connect effortlessly with nature and life itself. This is the essence of life: finding what we truly are—pure consciousness—and learning how to achieve and hold onto that state within ourselves.

This doesn't mean we will be free of future pain or suffering but we can do a lot by taking charge of our own inner state and make it a good place to live in.

Inspired by the previous post 

Rituals of Self-Love

• Connect with deep music.

• Paint.

• Create something with your hands.

• Cook a healthy, nourishing meal for yourself.

• Walk.

• Listen to the birds.

• Bathe in the sunlight.

• Take a gentle rain shower.

• Be fully present with yourself.

• Write in a journal.

• Watch the sunrise or sunset in silence.

• Give yourself a gentle massage with your favorite oils.

• Practice a few minutes of quiet stillness.

• Light a candle and simply watch the flame.

You are the only one who can bring new experiences into your life—but only when you start doing it consciously and with purpose. Don't leave it to chance. Take the wheel and guide yourself back to the peace where you truly belong.

 Thank you for being, for staying inspired and for making the world better, by healing, improving and being a loving soul walking through the world.  Namaste 🙏🏻🥰