The Jedi You Verses The Dark Side You

For some unknown impulsive reason I grabbed the Yoga Journal at Costco and plopped it into my cart. I had already spent waaaaay to much money, but my instincts told me to do it. They told me strongly.

I've been reading a few articles here and there. The first article I read involved meditation, the benefits along with three different methods. Several resources I have read explain mediation, the act of clearing ones mind helps the person reconnect with their self, their mind, their body. Since my internal self preservation reflexes have me disconnecting more times then naught, mediation seems like it's worth a try. I have made a pledge to attempt 10 minutes of meditation everyday for a month. Yesterday was my first day, and I'm going to give it a whack when I'm done writing here. Now that I've declared it on the internet, it is official and I must do it. I will keep you all informed of my progress.

The other article I read, and will probably re-read is called "Me And My Shadow." This article by Sally Kempton discusses how one needs to know their "Shadow Side" and learn how to transform its negative energy in order to truly be in balance. Because of my Beloveds love for all things Star Wars my understanding of this article takes a Star Wars twist. The Shadow is the Dark Side, the Jedi Force keeps the Dark Side in balance.

One of the reasons I really like this article is because it blatantly admits that there can be no Jedi Force without the Dark Side. Sometimes the Dark Side will be stronger and it's going to take good old fashion hard work and self reflection to transform the negative energy into positive energy until once day attaining the ability to integrate the Jedi Force with the Dark Side and achieving true balance. This theory doesn't have a constant internal struggle between good and evil within yourself, but a sense of acceptance, self awareness and transformation of energy.

The article also throws out some Yoda wisdom concerning using your Dark Side for good. Kempton explains that when a Dark Side trait is suppressed you loose the opportunity to work with it and find the positive aspects of the traits. Sadness can bloom into deep empathy. Fearfulness can be altered into a healthy vulnerability. Impulsiveness can change into genuine spontaneity. Dark Side energy can be used for creative and spiritual growth.

Since it is my goal to attain a level of peace this year, this article really has me looking at my Dark Side and my Jedi Force in new light. For me peace has an inherent strength in it, a strength I want to possess. I believe Yoda would approve of my choice of a New Years goal of peace, if only he'd share some of his wisdom with me! Or maybe he has? Perhaps it was the Jedi Force that insisted I buy the magazine in the first place? The universe is a strange place, so I will keep an open mind and strive for inner peace.